Senior Software Engineer - Digital Engineering

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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

• Design, develop, and maintain simulation and modeling tools that support aerospace systems, including flight and ground software capabilities
• Design and develop mission level wargaming tools encompassing space, air, and ground domains
• Design products for analyzing laser communication constellation networks
• Develop application software based on web technologies that runs across multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux
• Apply UI/UX best practices to create streamlined, intuitive user interfaces for simulation and configuration tools
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to analyze requirements, define system architectures, and deliver high‑quality solutions
• Participate in design reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR) and contribute to the refinement of system requirements and technical specifications
• Conduct code reviews to ensure adherence to company coding standards and best practices
• Optimize software performance and scalability for large‑scale simulations and data processing

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on simulation, modeling, or aerospace systems
• Proficiency in C#/.NET and Angular (or similar frontend frameworks like React or Vue)
• Solid grasp of object‑oriented programming principles and design patterns
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience with Docker/Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration
• Knowledge of network programming (e.g., Sockets, Web Sockets) for real‑time data exchange
• Strong understanding of relational databases (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite)
• Passion for rapid prototyping and software integration leveraging AI tools
• Passion for UI/UX design
• Experience with space mission analysis tools such as STK, or similar
• Experience with modeling of physical systems
• Familiarity with Git and modern version control workflows
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and contributing to iterative…