Head of Ground Software

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 to 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.

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.

Rocket Lab is seeking a Head of Ground Software to lead the development and execution of our ground software infrastructure, supporting mission‑critical space‑to‑ground communications, ground data infrastructure, mission operations, and spacecraft production. This role is based at our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, and is pivotal in shaping the 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 ground software systems and operations while managing a high‑performing team of engineers in CA and CO. You will collaborate cross‑functionally with executive leadership, program management, related disciplines, and mission teams to ensure seamless integration of ground systems with flight operations.

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for ground software systems, ensuring scalability, security, performance, and mission reliability.
• Own the architecture and development of end‑to‑end ground software solutions, including mission control, telemetry processing, data security, spacecraft production software, and RF/network infrastructure.
• Establish and maintain technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques to optimize vehicle‑ground integration.
• Lead multi‑disciplinary teams to develop advanced simulations, analysis tools, and testing methodologies.
• Partner with program and product management to align software capabilities with mission objectives and company goals.
• Drive innovation in ground software, ensuring adoption of modern technologies, automation, and secure data handling practices.
• Develop key documentation, including interface specifications, CONOPS, licensing, and design frameworks.

• 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 ground systems and mission operations.
• 8+ years of leadership experience, managing teams and complex software programs.
• Expertise in secure ground data systems, with knowledge of RF and network infrastructure.
• Expertise in microservice software development.
• Expertise in time‑series and relational databases.
• Expertise in Python and other software languages.
• Expertise in Angular and other front‑end frameworks.
• Track record of…