Ground Software Engineer II

rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Ground Software Engineer II to lead architecture and evolve our web-based ground software for spacecraft operations. You will work with flight software, mission ops, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable designs and reliable systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, deployment, and monitoring across diverse missions, with opportunities to influence ground software strategy and long-term platform resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• Experience architecting web-based software systems at scale.

Responsibilities

• Own major parts of architecture and evolve ground software platforms.
• Collaborate with flight software, mission operations, and systems engineers.
• Deploy, configure, and optimize the Ground Data System for various missions.
• Implement monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks.
• Provide architectural guidance to ensure resilience and maintainability.
• Advise leadership on ground software strategy and emerging tech.

Skills

Web architecture

Software development

Systems thinking

Ground software

Full-stack

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Playwright

Git & CI/CD

Kubernetes

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.

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.

GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER II

As a Ground Software Engineer II based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible, with deliverables that support internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Lab's web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations.
• Partner with flight software developers, mission operations personnel, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs.
• Deploy, configure, and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles.
• Establish robust monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues.
• Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience, system integration, and long-term maintainability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy, risk areas, and emerging technologies.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development
• Experience architecting web-based software systems at scale
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• Active Secret clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS clearance
• Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability
• Full-stack development experience, including:
• Backend - Python, Golang, and/or Rust
• Frontend - Typescript and Angular
• Database - InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent
• Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright
• Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations
• Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent)
• Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems
• Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams
• Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs
• Familiarity with database architecture, schema design, and optimization
• Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration
• Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth, etc.)
• Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11