Senior Software Engineer - Data Engineering

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ seeks a Senior Software Engineer – Data Engineering to design, build and deploy APIs, services, data pipelines and tooling that index, retrieve, visualize and act on data across the organization. The role is backend-focused with API-centred work and offers influence over technical standards.

You will review code, set standards, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with product and operations teams to deliver reliable software on ambitious timelines.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
• 5+ years' experience in a software engineering discipline.
• Strong Python development experience with REST APIs.
• Experience with Pandas, NumPy, ETL pipelines and SQL.
• Strong database knowledge and relational databases.
• Experience with CI/CD, containerisation, Git and issue trackers.
• Experience with agile development practices.
• Team player with a proactive, solution-focused mindset and good communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and build APIs, services and data tooling to support indexing, retrieval, visualization and automation.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for engineering and reporting.
• Develop and maintain software with thorough testing and documentation.
• Review merge requests and architecture designs, and help set technical standards.
• Lead trade studies to support technical decisions and document requirements.
• Refine and prioritise the product backlog and run agile ceremonies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deploy and support operational software.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Python development

REST APIs

Pandas

NumPy

ETL pipelines

SQL databases

CI/CD

Containerisation

Git/Jira

Agile development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering / Computer Science

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Git

Jira/Redmine

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Every rocket and spacecraft we build generates huge amounts of data, from manufacturing and test to R&D and day-to-day operations. Our Operational Data team helps Rocket Lab put that data to work. The team sits between data collection and data exploitation and builds the services, tools and pipelines that turn raw data into real value across the business.

Based in Auckland, NZ, the Senior Software Engineer – Data Engineering will design, build and deploy the APIs, services, data pipelines and tools that help teams across Rocket Lab index, retrieve, visualise and act on their data. The role is centred on back-end software engineering, with APIs and services at its core.

This is a senior role with real influence. You'll approve code reviews and architecture designs, help set the team's technical standards, and mentor more junior engineers. You'll also be trusted to step in as deputy for the Data Engineering Team Lead when needed.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design and develop APIs, services and tools that support data indexing, retrieval, visualisation and process automation.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for engineering and reporting purposes.
• Develop new software and maintain existing software and tooling, ensuring it is well tested and documented to approved standards.
• Review and approve merge requests and software architecture designs, and help set the team's technical standards.
• Develop, review and approve software requirements, and lead trade studies to support technical decisions.
• Refine and prioritise the product backlog, and facilitate agile activities such as stand-ups, retrospectives and sprint planning.
• Work with stakeholders to demonstrate, deploy and support operational software, and train the people who use it.
• Coach and mentor more junior engineers.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A tertiary qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a similar field, or a demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge.
• 5+ years' experience in a software engineering discipline.
• Strong Python development experience, including designing and building REST APIs and services.
• Experience with data tools such as Pandas and NumPy, as well as ETL pipelines and SQL.
• Strong database knowledge, including designing and working with relational databases.
• Experience with CI/CD, containerisation, Git and issue trackers such as Jira or Redmine.
• Experience with agile development practices.
• A team player with a positive, "How can I help?" attitude and the judgement to find the right solution, not just a working one.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to plan, prioritise and ship on time.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with Kubernetes.
• Experience with data visualisation.
• Experience with data science and numerical analysis techniques.
• Experience with web application and user interface development.
• Experience as a technical lead or mentor to other engineers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Domestic and international travel may be required.

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.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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 here ITAR Regulations.