Senior Flight Software Engineer for Autonomous Spacecraft

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to lead the design of flight software for spacecraft, including autonomous constellations and embedded systems for thrusters, reaction wheels, and radios.

You will collaborate with Avionics, GNC, and Operations to balance technical excellence with schedule and budget while mentoring junior engineers and defining coding standards. This role is based in Auckland, NZ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
• Deep technical expertise in C/C++, avionics software, embedded systems development on resource-constrained hardware and aerospace operations.
• Strong software development skills including REST APIs, Linux environments, TypeScript/JavaScript, NodeJS, Angular/React, Git and Python.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities with track record of managing complex projects.
• Cross-functional collaboration mindset across propulsion, thermal, power, structures, GNC, and mechanisms.
• Ownership mentality and a proactive approach to tackling challenges.

Responsibilities

• Architect flight software solutions across three domains: sustaining current missions, next-generation autonomous satellites, and embedded software for hardware products.
• Lead system trade studies and design solutions with Avionics Hardware, GNC, and Operations.
• Develop and maintain robust regression testing frameworks spanning flight and embedded software.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams through anomaly resolution, risk mitigation, and delivery of on-orbit systems.
• Define technical standards and communicate FSW architecture to stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers through code reviews and training.

Skills

C/C++

Avionics software

Embedded systems

REST APIs

Linux development

TypeScript/JS

NodeJS

Angular/React

Git

Python

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

WebSockets

Elasticsearch

NodeJS/NPM

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer to lead the design of flight software for spacecraft, including autonomous constellations and embedded systems for thrusters, reaction wheels, and radios.

You will collaborate with Avionics, GNC, and Operations to balance technical excellence with schedule and budget while mentoring junior engineers and defining coding standards. This role is based in Auckland, NZ.