Senior Ground Software Engineer - TS​/SCI

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the goal of opening access space. 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets – we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I based at Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO, you will be responsible for developing cutting‑edge spacecraft ground software for our various Space Systems missions, and for providing ground system development and support for internal and external customers.

• Develop and evolve web-based software architecture for spacecraft operations
• Work closely with flight software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needs
• Deploy and configure the Rocket Lab Ground Data System
• Establish monitoring and alerting to detect system degradation and outages
• Identify ground systems issues and provide technical insight for resolution

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of relevant work experience developing software
• 5+ years of relevant work experience developing in Python
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Experience architecting web-based software applications

• Full‑stack software development experience, including backend – Python and/or Golang; frontend – Typescript and/or Java script (Angular or React); database – Influx
  
  DB, Postgre
  
  SQL, or equivalent
• Experience with Python web experience (FastAPI or equivalent)
• Experience with micro‑service architectures
• Experience leading complete system development efforts with a team
• Ability to write clear, well‑tested, and well‑documented software
• Experience supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, and/or launch vehicle mission operations
• Familiarity with database design and implementation
• Experience using Git or other version control systems
• Experience with SQL
• Experience with ticketing systems like Jira, etc.
• Experience with Kubernetes orchestration
Experience with Oauth authentication flows
• Experience in full‑stack and/or web development (NodeJS, Angular, Type Script, or equivalent)
• Experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience in CCSDS recommended standards, including Space Packet Protocol and COP‑1

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

$131,000 — $164,000 USD

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos…