Senior Software Engineer - Operations Software

Rocket Lab USA; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Auckland seeks a Senior Software Engineer for Operations Software. This role involves creating and supporting software for launch vehicle operations, managing telemetry acquisition, and implementing system documentation. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience. Experience with Git and issue tracking tools is essential. Join a dynamic team tackling ambitious projects in the space sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a related field.
• Experience with high-performance systems & scalability.
• Familiarity with network protocols (UDP / TCP / gRPC / CCSDS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, ingest and store telemetry from operations.
• Design and implement software based on feature requests.
• Create operational documentation for software products.

Skills

Software engineering principles

Version control with Git

High-performance systems

System scalability

Education

Bachelor's degree in software engineering, Computer Science or similar

Tools

Git

Jira

Job description

Senior Software Engineer - Operations Software

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. 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.

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

Senior Software Engineer – Operations Software

As a Senior Software Engineer – Operations Software based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland New Zealand, you will have the opportunity create, maintain, deploy and support components, functions or services in launch vehicles and spacecraft operations. In this role you will have scope to perform independent engineering as allocated and have product ownership. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Acquisition, ingestion and storage of telemetry from:
  • Launch Operations
  • Spacecraft Operations
  • Integrated Systems Testing
  • Operational Simulations
  • Sub-System Testing
• Design and implement software, tests, and architecture based on feature requests and bug fixes.
• Create operational documentation for software products.
• Manage and review source code using version control tools and establish code review standards.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience within a related field
• Experience with Git
• Experience with one of: Redmine, Jira, or other issue tracker
• High-performance systems & scalability

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Network Protocols (UDP / TCP / gRPC / CCSDS)
• System Administration
• CI/CD systems
• Python Development

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.

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, you may click here ITAR Regulations.