Senior Software Engineer I

Rocketlab; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketlab is seeking a Senior Software Engineer I for its Albuquerque, NM site. This role involves collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations to improve operational efficiency through full-stack software solutions. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in software engineering, strong skills in C# and TypeScript, and familiarity with various development frameworks.

The candidate will be part of a mission to enhance Rocketlab's Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and will operate across diverse technical domains to solve complex engineering challenges.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in full-stack software engineering.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Operational knowledge of front-end and back-end frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop full-stack software solutions to improve operations.
• Leverage best practices including automated testing.
• Provide user support and ensure integration with technical systems.

Skills

C#

TypeScript

Git

SQL

Angular

HTML/CSS

Education

Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

RabbitMQ

Elasticsearch

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 SOFTWARE ENGINEER I – MES

Based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, NM, the Senior Software Engineer I - MES will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full-stack software solutions that improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the in-house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform, as well as tools that integrate with the ERP system and related products. These applications rely heavily on relational databases and REST APIs, both upstream and downstream, as part of service‑oriented architecture.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in areas such as frontend or backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, DevOps, or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE).
• Develop world-class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit, integration, and end‑to‑end), code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira.
• Leverage version control systems (e.g., Git) to manage code, maintain thorough documentation, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
• Provide user support and ensure seamless integration with related technical systems outside your immediate area of responsibility.
• Solve complex engineering challenges by proposing innovative solutions, sharing insights into technical concepts, and navigating tasks within your technical domain.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another technical discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in full-stack software engineering.
• Strong Git skills for version control and collaboration.
• Proficiency in C#, and TypeScript.
• Operational knowledge of Angular or another front‑end framework, .NET or another backend framework, Git, SQL, and HTML/CSS.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Proficiency in RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch.
• Experience in aerospace domains such as Launch Operations, ERP, QMS, and PLM.

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY

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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, 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. Learn more about ITAR.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, ITAR Regulations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/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 prohibits them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.