Senior Software Engineer I​/II - Simulation Engineering

About Rocket Lab:
Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more; its mission is to open access to space.

Senior Software Engineer I/II – Simulation Engineering

Location:

Littleton, CO

The position focuses on architecting large‑scale simulation environments, driving high‑level data analysis, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to inform mission decision‑making.

• Architect and deploy large‑scale, distributed simulation environments for complex aerospace systems, including multi‑vehicle and constellation‑level modeling.
• Develop robust data pipelines to process, analyze, and visualize massive datasets generated by high‑fidelity simulations.
• Derive actionable engineering and mission‑level insights through advanced statistical analysis and data modeling of simulation outputs.
• Optimize simulation infrastructure for high‑performance computing and distributed cluster environments to ensure scalability.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define campaign‑level requirements and translate mission objectives into scalable simulation architectures.
• Lead integration of complex simulation ecosystems, ensuring synchronization across multiple subsystems and analytical tools.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience focusing on large‑scale simulation engineering, data analysis, or distributed computational modeling.
• Proficiency in languages used for heavy data analysis and simulation infrastructure (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience architecting and analyzing large‑scale Monte‑Carlo campaigns.
• Experience processing and analyzing large datasets using modern data analytics libraries or frameworks.
• Experience modeling complex, multi‑component physical systems (e.g., spacecraft constellations, multi‑vehicle architectures).
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one.
• Strong familiarity with high‑performance computing, parallel processing, and distributed compute clusters (e.g., Docker Swarm, Kubernetes).
• Experience in multi‑vehicle or synchronized distributed simulation environments.
• Advanced understanding of statistical analysis, data visualization techniques, and optimization algorithms.
• Experience with machine learning or AI‑driven methodologies applied to large‑dataset analysis or simulation generation.
• Familiarity with cloud‑based simulation platforms or large‑scale data lakes.
• Proven ability to tackle complex architectural challenges and deliver innovative data solutions.

May require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Base salary: $115,000‑$165,000 USD (Colorado only). Compensation also includes company stock, cash incentives, and a discount purchase plan. Additional benefits: medical, dental, vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; paid vacation, holidays, sick leave; paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks.

The company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact the designated resource.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices may be subject to additional clearance requirements.