Flight Software Engineer II

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 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 working to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems business designs and builds an 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, we’re not just launching rockets — we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to 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.

We are currently seeking a Flight Software Engineer II for our team based out of 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.

Our software will be on orbit within weeks and months, providing frequent opportunities to test and operate it on orbit. To be successful, you must want to see your software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

• 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

• 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 with Embedded Linux
• Active Secret security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
• 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

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to…