Robotics Software Engineer I/II - Hands-on Space Tech

Rocket Lab Corporation; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation & sick leave

Stock purchase program

Job summary

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, seeks a Software Engineer I/II - Robotics to develop software for robotic platforms and production support tools. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to bring robotics concepts to reliable systems.

The role requires hands-on software engineering with robotics or hardware-integrated experience, strong C++/Python, and familiarity with real-time systems. This position can be hired as a Software Engineer I or II.

Qualifications

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 0-2 years of professional software engineering experience in robotics, motion control, embedded systems, or related.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with ROS or ROS 2 and real-time robotics applications.
• Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware such as motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, and embedded systems.
• Knowledge of real-time/embedded software, control loops, and hardware bring-up.
• Solid fundamentals: architecture, Git-based workflows, CI/CD, automated testing, documentation, and production support.
• Ability to define requirements and deliver in a cross-functional hardware environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software for robotic systems, embedded interfaces, control applications, test systems, and operator tools.
• Implement software for robotic platforms and production environments.
• Support software development from concept through deployment, hardware bring-up, and production support.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to define requirements and interfaces.
• Integrate software with motors, encoders, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Troubleshoot issues across software, hardware, and production equipment.
• Participate in code reviews, version control, CI/CD, and testing to ensure quality.

Skills

C++

Python

ROS/ROS 2

Hardware integration

Real-time software

Git workflows

CI/CD

Automated testing

Software fundamentals

Education

Software/Engineering degree

Tools

ROS/ROS 2

Embedded tools

Job description

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, seeks a Software Engineer I/II - Robotics to develop software for robotic platforms and production support tools. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to bring robotics concepts to reliable systems.

The role requires hands-on software engineering with robotics or hardware-integrated experience, strong C++/Python, and familiarity with real-time systems. This position can be hired as a Software Engineer I or II.