Senior Flight Software Engineer I​/II - Secret Clearance

Senior Flight Software Engineer I/II – Secret Clearance

We are currently seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer I/II for our team based at headquarters in Long Beach, CA. In this role, you will play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You’ll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing.

Your software will be on orbit within weeks and months—thanks to our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit.

• 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 company coding standards
• Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CDR
• Assist with on‑orbit (and interplanetary) flight operations

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Please note:

This position can be hired at the Senior Flight Software Engineer I or Senior Flight Software Engineer II level.)

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

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

• 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 vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles

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 experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 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 access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include:
Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion. Base Pay Range (CA Only): $120,000 USD – $190,000 USD.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves…