Senior Software Engineer

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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all 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.

At Rocket Lab, operational data drives everything from production acceptance to mission success. The Data Engineering team builds the foundational infrastructure, platforms, and tools that make this possible, providing long-term storage, data management, discovery, and access for data across all verticals. Our platforms enable data processing and automation at scale, while our applications and services provide the visualization and reporting capabilities that engineers rely on throughout the product lifecycle.

We're seeking a Senior Software Engineer to help us build and scale the data infrastructure that powers Rocket Lab's operations.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you'll design, build, and maintain core data platforms and services that enable engineers across the company to access and work with operational data. You'll collaborate with teams across development, testing, production, and mission operations to build robust, scalable solutions—from data pipelines and storage systems to APIs and processing platforms. Your work will directly impact our ability to validate hardware, execute missions, and improve performance across all Rocket Lab verticals.

• Design, build, and deploy tools and services that power operational data access across Rocket Lab
• Collaborate with engineering teams across multiple verticals and time zones to understand data requirements and deliver scalable infrastructure solutions
• Develop and maintain apps, services, and platforms that can scale with the business’ needs.
• Build automation and tools that enable engineers to discover, access, and work with operational data efficiently
• Own services end-to-end—from architecture and development through deployment and production support

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of professional experience in software engineering or a related discipline
• Expertise in Python development and a deep understanding of backend architecture
• Experience deploying services at scale, and familiarity with CI/CD and containerization
• Strong Git skills for version control and collaboration
• Experience with Kubernetes or similar orchestration tools for managing containerized applications
• Hands-on experience designing and developing REST APIs
• Familiarity with issue tracking tools like Jira or Redmine

• Proficiency with common data analysis libraries/tools (e.g., Pandas, Numpy), and building ETL pipelines
• Experience in data visualization, data science and numerical analysis techniques
• Familiarity with agile development practices
• Database knowledge (SQL)
• Experience with web and user interface development

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and…