Flight Software Engineer - Neutron

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Flight Software Engineer for the Neutron program in New Zealand offices. You will contribute to the next-generation Command & Data Handling system, building robust software libraries, code generators, and simulation/test frameworks used across the vehicle’s subsystems.

You will work with flight software architects, HITL, and GNC engineers to align on a common simulation and test environment, ensuring reliable telemetry, commanding, and integration with vehicle systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated equivalent in software engineering/computer science.
• 2+ years of professional C++ software development experience.
• Experience with networked software systems.
• 3+ years of professional scripting experience (Python).
• Proficiency with Git and issue-tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain core flight software libraries, code generators, and test frameworks.
• Collaborate with flight software architects, HITL, and GNC engineers to develop common simulation and test environments.

Skills

C++

Networked software

Python scripting

Git

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Git

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Neutron Flight Software Team develops the next-generation Command & Data Handling system for the Neutron launcher. It’s a critical part to the program interfacing with many subsystems across the vehicle. It provides telemetry and commanding capability, avionics sensors and actuators communication, and hosts applications like the vehicle management system, engine control software and the GNC software.

Within the Neutron Flight Software Team, the Flight Software Engineer is responsible for creating and maintaining robust and reliable software and tools such as core flight software libraries, code generators, and simulation and test frameworks.

The role will require working closely with stakeholders such as flight software architects as well as HITL and GNC engineers to develop a common simulation and test environment.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge
• 2+ years experience professionally developing modern C++ software
• Experience with networked software systems
• Minimum of 3 years experience professionally developing in a scripting language (such as Python)
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Experience with highly reliable software systems
• Experience with formal software standards like DO-178C, MISRA or AUTOSAR
• Experience with requirements-driven software design
• Good understanding of mathematics
• Experience with developing simulation software for control systems and / or physical systems such as autonomous cars, rockets and UAVs

Salary dependent upon experience: NZD$ 85,000 - NZD$ 125,000

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click hereITAR Regulations.