Lead, Operations Software

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Rocket Lab’s IT teamis responsible forhow our global teams access information and run operations across our computer systems, networks, and devices. Our hardworking IT team is a group of flexible problem-solvers working in a fast-pacedenvironmentbut who also thrive under the challenge of supportingall ofour proprietary systems and people, from finance to launch operations.

Based onsite at either our Long Beach, CA or Auckland, NZ facilities, the Lead, Operations Software reports to the Manager, Operations Software and leads a team of up to 8 engineers. You will architect, develop, and support software systems that configure, command, and monitor launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron), spacecraft, and ground systems. You will collaborate with stakeholder groups across Rocket Lab to ensure the tools we develop are fit for purpose and intuitive to use.

• Lead the architecture, implementation, and maintenance of software to support testing and mission operations for launch vehicles and spacecraft.
• Provide vision, leadership, technical direction, and project coordination to a high-performing software team.
• Take ownership of your team’s contributions, focusing on the right business priorities and managing technical and schedule risks.
• Actively engage with business stakeholders to define, collect, and review requirements, and manage deliverables.
• Develop and refine software architecture designs and product backlog items.
• Facilitate and participate in agile software development practices, including code reviews and the development of code review standards.
• Create documentation for developers and end-users on software products.
• Demonstrate innovation in technical fields, keeping Rocket Lab at the leading edge of technology.
• Coach and mentor team members in best practices for technical systems and project planning.
• Identify and implement opportunities for improvement within the team.
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed, including correct PPE usage and prompt reporting of incidents or near misses.
• Perform other duties as reasonably required.

• 5+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience with Git.
• Experience with Jira or other issue tracking systems.
• Proficiency in a statically typed language such as Go, C#, or C++.

• Experience with network protocols (UDP / TCP / gRPC / CCSDS).
• High-performance systems and scalability.
• Experience with Linux containers, cloud application development, and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with CI/CD systems.
• Knowledge of human factors engineering.
• Experience with Typescript development.
• Experience with Scrum or Kanban methodologies.

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

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,
you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package
, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

• our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with…