Senior Ground Software Engineer - Secret

Senior Ground Software Engineer I - TS/SCI

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I – Secret based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, CA, you will develop cutting‑edge spacecraft ground software for our Space Systems missions and provide ground system development and support for internal and external customers.

• Develop and evolve web‑based software architecture for spacecraft operations
• Work closely with flight software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needs
• Deploy and configure the Rocket Lab Ground Data System
• Establish monitoring and alerting to detect system degradation and outages
• Identify ground systems issues and provide technical insight for resolution

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of relevant work experience developing software
• 5+ years of relevant work experience developing in Python
• 2‑5 years of experience in cloud engineering
• Experience designing, deploying and managing scalable cloud solutions
• Experience architecting web‑based software applications
• Active Secret Clearance

• Full‑stack software development experience: backend in Python and/or Golang; frontend in Type Script and/or JavaScript (Angular or React); database such as InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent
• Python web experience (FastAPI or equivalent)
• Experience with micro‑service architectures
• Experience leading complete system development efforts with a team
• Ability to write clear, well‑tested, and well‑documented software
• Experience supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, and/or launch vehicle mission operations
• Familiarity with database design and implementation
• Experience using Git or other version control systems
• Experience with SQL
• Experience with ticketing systems like Jira
• Experience with Kubernetes orchestration
• Experience with OAuth authentication flows
• Experience in full‑stack and/or web development (NodeJS, Angular, Type Script, or equivalent)
• Experience in the aerospace industry; knowledge of CCSDS recommended standards, including Space Packet Protocol and COP‑1
• CompTIA Security+ (Highly recommended for foundational security knowledge)
• Experience implementing disaster recovery plans and backup solutions in the cloud
• Ability to optimize cloud costs and manage budgets effectively

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $130,000 – $175,000 USD

Benefits include company equity, a comprehensive benefits package including top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.