Lead Flight Software Engineer - Space Systems

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 324,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans

Dental &Vision

Job summary

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Principal Flight Software Engineer to drive flight software for Space Systems. You will work from requirements through coding and testing, with on‑orbit testing opportunities and direct impact on space missions.

Responsibilities include developing RTOS/Embedded Linux software, hardware drivers, unit tests, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration with systems and hardware teams. A strong hands‑on engineering background is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or other technical engineering discipline).
• 12+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development.
• Proficiency in Rust, C++, and C languages.
• Experience with RTOS or Embedded Linux.
• Experience leading junior software developers and collaborating with other disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop application software to run within RTOS and/or embedded Linux.
• Develop hardware drivers for IMUs, Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other sensors/actuators.
• Create and maintain unit tests within CI framework.
• Collaborate with hardware‑in‑the‑loop test engineers to verify software and hardware functionality.
• Engage in design reviews and ensure coding standards are met.
• Assist with on‑orbit flight operations.

Skills

Rust

C++

C

RTOS

Embedded Linux

System integration

Leadership

Security clearance

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Principal Flight Software Engineer to drive flight software for Space Systems. You will work from requirements through coding and testing, with on‑orbit testing opportunities and direct impact on space missions.

Responsibilities include developing RTOS/Embedded Linux software, hardware drivers, unit tests, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration with systems and hardware teams. A strong hands‑on engineering background is essential.