Flight Software Engineer 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 — with the goal of opening access 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. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

At Rocket Lab, we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, such as 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 and 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, a constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space, our world-class Space Systems team empowers bold space missions.

We are currently seeking a Flight Software Engineer II for our team based at the headquarters in Long Beach, CA. In this role, you will contribute to the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You’ll participate in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. When we say test, we mean software that will be on orbit within weeks or months.

Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, there are frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit. To be successful, you must want to see your software make a big impact on how we explore space and enable discovery and innovation. Join a driven team tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and shaping the future of space.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop application software to run within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux
• Develop hardware drivers to interface to Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
• Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to run within a Continuous Integration framework
• Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality
• Collaborate with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers in developing, documenting and validating requirements
• Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet coding standards
• Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CDR
• Assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary) flight operations

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
• 2+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
• Proficiency in C and C++ languages
• Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or Embedded Linux
• Active Secret security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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…