Software Engineer, Lead

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, 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.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA, the Software Engineer, Lead will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full‑stack software solutions that enhance the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on our in‑house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform as well as tools that integrate with the ERP system and related products.

These applications rely heavily on relational databases and REST APIs, both upstream and downstream, as part of service‑oriented architecture.

Provide front‑line management for a small technical team working on MES projects and coordinate strategic activities with team management.

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in frontend or backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, Dev Ops, or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)
• Develop world‑class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit, integration, and end‑to‑end), code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira
• Review and approve code, merge requests, architecture designs, and software requirements
• Define product roadmaps, refine backlogs, and manage epics, features, and releases
• Lead and manage scrum activities, metrics, and Agile workflows
• Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders to gather and refine system requirements
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, deliver training sessions, and provide ongoing support for deployed products
• Plan and schedule releases aligned with business goals and timelines
• Oversee deployment and operational support of software, ensuring high‑quality deliverables
• Implement machine‑to‑machine services and create intuitive web‑based user interfaces
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver value to stakeholders
• Provide vision, leadership, and project coordination for the MES team
• Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering growth
• Define roles and responsibilities, provide timely feedback, and ensure team motivation and efficiency
• Facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for team members

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Proven experience in team leadership
• Excellent problem‑solving and project management skills
• Technical expertise in HTML/CSS, Type Script, Angular, React, Vue, or similar frameworks
• Proficiency with SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.Net development
• Experience with Linux as a development environment

• Experience with User Interface development
• Experience with tools and technologies such as Rabbit
  
  MQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch
• Familiarity with aerospace industry domains, including Launch Operations, Enterprise Resource Planning, Quality Management Systems, Product Life Cycle Management