Senior Ground Software Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corp.; Littleton, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Littleton, CO seeks a Senior Ground Software Engineer I to advance spacecraft ground systems architecture. You will help define scalable, reliable software that supports missions from our Space Systems portfolio.

The role offers visibility to leadership and investors as we push toward new capabilities, with cross-functional collaboration across hardware, software, and flight teams. Candidates should demonstrate strong coding, system design, and a drive to shape the future of space

Job description

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.

SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER I

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I based at Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO, 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.

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