Software Engineer II - MES

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 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. It has enabled more than 1,700 missions across interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing, national security, and defense, working with partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Based at Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA, the Software Engineer II – MES collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, technicians, and operations teams to develop full‑stack software solutions that improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. The role focuses on the in‑house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform and tools that integrate with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

• Work on applications that utilize relational databases and REST APIs within a service‑oriented architecture, ensuring seamless upstream and downstream interactions.
• Design and develop database schemas, back‑end and front‑end web applications, user interfaces, and machine‑to‑machine services.
• Write software and unit tests, maintain documentation, and review and approve source code merge requests.
• Apply engineering concepts and theories to solve challenges, execute provided solutions, and navigate daily tasks within your technical system.
• Create, review, and approve technical documents relevant to your expertise while supporting peers and cross‑functional teams.
• Independently plan and execute tasks, ensuring priorities are understood.
• Collaborate with other teams and support tasks or projects as needed, ensuring alignment with leadership and team goals.
• Lead demonstrations of software products, deliver training, and deploy and support operational software systems.

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another technical discipline.
• 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• Proficiency in statically‑typed programming languages (e.g., C#).
• Experience with modern Type Script frameworks (e.g., Angular).
• Strong knowledge of relational databases and REST APIs.

• Experience with manufacturing and aerospace industries.
• Familiarity with AWS and other cloud providers.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of Elasticsearch.

• Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Employees may receive company equity and a robust benefits package that includes top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and additional 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.