Senior Network Software Engineer I/II

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Network Software Engineer I/II in Long Beach, CA, to lead software development for space communications technologies. The selected candidate will manage software and integrate systems for spacecraft, report to the Head of Flight Software, and make significant contributions to mission success.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's in a relevant field, 5+ or 8+ years of experience, and an active Secret security clearance. This position offers the excitement of working in the aerospace industry with a focus on making strides in space technology.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant work industry experience for I level.
• 8+ years of relevant work industry experience for II level.
• Strong understanding of RF and spacecraft (beneficial).

Responsibilities

• Manage software development of routers, radios, and laser communication devices.
• Interface with subcontractors and internal teams for product planning.
• Design tests for constellation networking.

Skills

Network software knowledge

Software development lifecycle knowledge

Jira experience

Systems engineering methods

Active Secret security clearance

U.S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science

Tools

Microsoft Project

Docker

Kubernetes

Smartsheet

Job description

Senior Network Software Engineer I/II

Location: Long Beach, CA. Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Senior Network Software Engineer I/II to work with a team of engineers on our flagship efforts to deliver program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is required; RF and spacecraft experience is an additional benefit. This role reports to the Head of Flight Software.

What you’ll get to do:

• Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft.
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system.
• Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones.
• Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking.
• Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams.
• Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program.
• Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership.
• Plan major integration points and testing between teams.
• Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements.
• Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements.

Qualifications you’ll bring as Senior Network Software Engineer I:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant work industry experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of network software.
• Knowledge of the software development lifecycle.
• Experience using Jira for software development management.
• Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

Qualifications you’ll bring as Senior Network Software Engineer II:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant work industry experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of network software.
• Knowledge of the software development lifecycle.
• Experience using Jira for software development management.
• Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

These qualifications would be nice to have:

• Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them.
• Experience with SDANEBULA architectures.
• Experience with Cyber Security controls.
• Experience with encryption.
• Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies.
• Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
• Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach.
• Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.
• Experience with Docker.
• Experience with Kubernetes.
• Experience with DevSecOps.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

U.S. Office Eligibility

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Accommodations

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from applying or interviewing. A response to requests may take up to two business days.