Software Engineer, Lead

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

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 improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the 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 work with team management to coordinate strategic activities.

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in areas such as 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 RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch
• Familiarity with aerospace industry domains, including Launch Operations, Enterprise Resource Planning, Quality Management Systems, Product Life Cycle Management