Head of Flight Software

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world.

Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

HEAD OF FLIGHT SOFTWARE

Rocket Lab is seeking a Head of Flight Software out of our office in Littleton, CO, to lead our flight software engineering teams in Long Beach, CA and Littleton, CO. The Head of Flight Software will shape the flight software product and ecosystem that supports Rocket Lab’s space systems and missions. As a senior technical leader, you will drive strategic direction, architecture, product, and execution of flight software systems and operations while managing a high-performing team of engineers in CA and CO.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with executive leadership, chief engineers, program management, related disciplines, and mission teams to ensure seamless integration of flight software.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Own the team responsible for architecture and development of flight software solutions across Rocket Lab Space Systems.
• Define, build, and maintain a flight software center of excellence
• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for flight software; ensuring scalability, security, and mission reliability.
• Establish and maintain technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques to optimize flight software integration.
• Drive efficiency and quality of work product from multi-disciplinary teams to develop industry leading flight software, simulation software, and test software.
• Partner with program and product management to align software capabilities with mission objectives, company goals, and customer needs.
• Drive innovation in flight software, ensuring adoption of modern technologies, automation, and testing practices.
• Drive key documentation, including interface specifications, CONOPS, and design frameworks.
• Conduct staffing resource analysis and allocation to build and maintain a properly sized organization with skill sets to satisfy program and market demands
• Participate in proposals and new business capture

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, aerospace, electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace software engineering, including embedded systems.
• 8+ years of leadership experience, managing teams and complex software programs.
• Ability to identify, develop plans, and solve complex large-scale problems with little oversight
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with competing priorities.
• Expertise in embedded flight software development
• Expertise in C+ and Python
• Track record of successfully delivering mission-critical software for satellite and…