Senior Software Engineer - Data Engineering

Rocket Lab; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Ontario, Canada, seeks a Senior Software Engineer to develop data-driven solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate should have a degree in software/electrical engineering and over 5 years of experience, focusing on API development, data visualization, and backend systems. Join a passionate team dedicated to shaping the future of space exploration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience within a software engineering related discipline.
• Experience with CI/CD and containerization.
• Experience with common data analysis libraries/tools such as Pandas/Numpy.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain APIs, services, tools, and data pipelines.
• Collaborate on requirements, architecture designs, and backlog refinement.
• Deploy, support, and train users on operational software.

Skills

Python development

Team player with a positive attitude

REST APIs and service development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in software/electrical-engineering or computer science

Tools

Jira

Git

CI/CD

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 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 rocket has 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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, 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.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I/II

As a Senior Software Engineer I/II based at Rocket Lab’s site in Ontario, Canada, you will collaborate with the Software Engineering team to develop data-driven and automated solutions for operations, manufacturing, and R&D. Your role involves bridging data collection and utilization by creating tools and services that help teams extract value from their data. Join a passionate team tackling challenging projects, achieving the impossible, and shaping the future of space exploration!

A Software Engineer I/II applies technical expertise to backend development, including APIs, services, data visualization, processing, databases, and pipelines. Collaborating across time zones, you’ll work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver core Data Engineering solutions.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Design, develop, and maintain APIs, services, tools, and data pipelines for indexing, retrieval, visualization, reporting, and automation
• Create and enhance software and tooling to support data management and company processes
• Deliver tested, documented, and standards-compliant software products while maintaining existing systems
• Collaborate on requirements, architecture designs, backlog refinement, and merge request reviews
• Update tickets, coordinate with stakeholders, and demonstrate solutions
• Deploy, support, and train users on operational software

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in software/electrical-engineering, computer science, Tertiary Diploma or demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge
• 5+ years of engineering experience within a software engineering related discipline
• Team player with a positive attitude
• Python development
• Experience with Jira, Redmine, or other issue tracker
• Experience with Git
• Experience with CI/CD and containerization
• Common data analysis libraries/tools such as Pandas/Numpy, ETL pipelines, SQL
• REST APIs and service development

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with Kubernetes, and deploying services at scale
• Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs
• Data visualization
• Data science and numerical analysis techniques
• Experience with agile development practices
• Database knowledge
• Web Application Development
• User Interface Development

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

WHAT TO EXPECT

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 on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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.