Robotics Software Engineer I/II

Rocketlab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical benefits

401(k) with company match

3 weeks vacation + 5 sick days

Stock purchase program

Onsite gym and meals

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA, is seeking a Software Engineer I/II - Robotics to develop software for robotic platforms and production tooling. This hands-on role requires collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to deliver reliable systems.

The ideal candidate will have robotics or embedded software experience, proficiency in C++/Python, and familiarity with ROS/ROS2 in real-time contexts. Base salary reflects the CA market and growth opportunities within Rocket Lab.

Qualifications

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent.
• 0-2 years of professional software engineering experience for robotics or embedded systems.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with ROS or ROS 2, including real-time variants.
• Hands-on hardware integration with motors, sensors, and actuators.
• Experience with real-time/embedded software, timing, and hardware bring-up.
• Solid fundamentals: architecture, Git workflows, CI/CD, testing, documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software for robotic systems, embedded interfaces, control applications, and test environments.
• Integrate software with motors, encoders, sensors, and motion controllers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and verification plans.
• Support hardware bring-up, validation, and production readiness.
• Contribute to code reviews, version control, and automated tests.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS/ROS2

Real-time systems

Embedded software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, CS, EE, Robotics or related field

Tools

Linux

Git

ROS 2

CI/CD

Job description

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA, is seeking a Software Engineer I/II - Robotics to develop software for robotic platforms and production tooling. This hands-on role requires collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to deliver reliable systems.

The ideal candidate will have robotics or embedded software experience, proficiency in C++/Python, and familiarity with ROS/ROS2 in real-time contexts. Base salary reflects the CA market and growth opportunities within Rocket Lab.