Senior Software Engineer

Rocket Lab; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Software Engineer II for its Optical Systems division in Chantilly, VA. You will design flight software for spacecraft in support of the SDA Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, contributing to mission-ready software across space, terrestrial, and airborne environments.

You will work on deployment of high-performance algorithms in constrained sensor systems with a team driving innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering.
• 8+ years of embedded software engineering experience.
• Experience in designing complex multithreaded applications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support development of payload flight software for Space Systems programs.
• Deploy novel algorithms into austere Size/Weight/Power constrained sensor systems.
• Participate in all aspects of software design and development from requirements to deployment.
• Drive core software fundamentals of performance-oriented programming across accelerators.
• Collaborate with a team of pioneers delivering impact on future space missions.

Skills

Embedded software engineering

Multithreaded design

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or CE

Tools

FPGA

CUDA

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Software Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will design flight software in support of spacecraft for Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Play a key role supporting the development of payload flight software for our Space Systems programs
• Focus on deployment of novel algorithms into austere environments on Size/Weight/Power constrained sensor systems
• Participate in all aspects of software design and development starting with requirements generation and following through implementation, testing, deployment
• Drive core software fundamentals of performance-oriented programming leveraging a variety of accelerator technologies
• Be part of a team of driven pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering,
• 8+ years of experience in embedded software engineering experience
• Experience in designing complex multithreaded application
• Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Familiarity with high-performance and parallel processing
• Exposure to novel architectures including FPGA, CUDA, etc.
• Familiarity with flight software system management
• Experience with algorithm implementation
• Exposure to Python and MATLAB is highly desired
• Familiarity with numerical computing principles

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.