Senior Flight Software Engineer I​/II

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—aiming to open access to space. Our rockets and satellites enable some of the most ambitious space missions worldwide, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and innovative technology demonstrations.

Senior Flight Software Engineer I/II – based at headquarters, Long Beach, CA. The role supports development of flight software for the Space Systems programs, covering requirements definition, coding, testing, and on‑orbit verification. Your work will directly influence how we explore space and deliver robust, mission‑critical software.

• Develop application software to run within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux.
• Develop hardware drivers to interface with Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators.
• Create and maintain comprehensive unit tests to run in a Continuous Integration framework.
• Collaborate with hardware‑in‑the‑loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality.
• Work with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers to develop, document and validate requirements.
• Review source code changes, ensuring all meet company coding standards.
• Participate in design reviews such as Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR).
• Assist with on‑orbit flight operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in embedded software development.
• Proficiency in C and C++.
• Experience with RTOS or Embedded Linux.
• Active Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• U.S. citizenship required.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in embedded software development.
• Proficiency in C and C++.
• Experience with RTOS or Embedded Linux.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• U.S. citizenship required.

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Advanced degree.
• Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN‑FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system.
• Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles.

• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must regularly sit, use hands and fingers, operate a 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 noise levels is acceptable.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $120,000 – $190,000 USD. The total rewards package includes company equity, a health‑care HMO or PPO with a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent‑care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Additional perks: discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Success here requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to what others deem impossible. We pride ourselves on supporting one another, checking our egos at the door, and working under pressure and tight deadlines to deliver results.

To comply with U.S. Government space‑technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab…