Senior Software Engineer I/II - Digital Engineering

Rocket Lab USA; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Littleton, CO is seeking a Senior Software Engineer I/II to help develop next‑gen simulation and modeling tools for aerospace systems, including flight software and ground software capabilities. The role focuses on scalable architectures, UI/UX‑style interfaces, and cross‑platform tooling across Windows and Linux.

You’ll join a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary team, contribute through all phases from requirements to deployment, and work with .NET, Angular, and RESTful APIs in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years (Sr I) or 8+ years (Sr II) of software development experience in simulation, modeling, or aerospace systems.
• Proficiency in C#/.NET and Angular; TypeScript/JavaScript; building RESTful APIs; relational databases (MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite); strong OOP and design patterns.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain simulation and modeling tools for aerospace systems, including flight and ground software.
• Develop mission-level wargaming tools across space, air, and ground domains.
• Create software using web technologies across Windows and Linux.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define architectures and deliver solutions.
• Participate in design reviews and refine system requirements.
• Conduct code reviews and optimize performance for large-scale simulations.

Skills

C#/.NET

Angular

TypeScript/JavaScript

RESTful APIs

SQL/Relational DB

OOP & Design Patterns

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 SOFTWARE ENGINEER I/II - DIGITAL ENGINEERING

Are you passionate about advancing aerospace technology through cutting‑edge software solutions? We're looking for a driven SeniorSoftware Engineer I/II to join our Digital Engineering team, based out of our Littleton, CO site. You will play a pivotal role in developing next‑generation simulation and modeling tools that support aerospace systems, including flight software and ground software capabilities. This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects that enhance aerospace systems through scalable architectures, intuitive user interfaces, and robust software solutions.

You'll be part of a collaborative team, contributing to all phases of software development-from requirements definition and design to coding, testing, and deployment. Our stack includes .NET, Angular, and relational databases, with a focus on scalable architectures and RESTful APIs.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design, develop, and maintainsimulation and modeling toolsthat support aerospace systems, including flight and ground software capabilities
• Design and develop mission level wargaming tools encompassing space, air, and ground domains
• Design products for analyzing laser communication constellation networks
• Develop application software based onweb technologiesthat runs across multiple operating systems, includingWindowsandLinux
• ApplyUI/UX best practicesto create streamlined, intuitive user interfaces for simulation and configuration tools
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze requirements, define system architectures, and deliver high‑quality solutions
• Participate indesign reviews(e.g., PDR, CDR) and contribute to the refinement of system requirements and technical specifications
• Conductcode reviewsto ensure adherence to company coding standards and best practices
• Optimize software performance and scalability for large‑scale simulations and data processing

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Software Engineer I or Senior Software Engineer II level.)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor's degreein Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experiencein software development, with a focus on simulation, modeling, or aerospace systems
• Proficiency inC#/.NETandAngular(or similar frontend frameworks like React or Vue)
• Experience withTypeScript/JavaScriptand building RESTful APIs
• Strong understanding ofrelational databases(e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite)
• Solid grasp ofobject-oriented programmingprinciples and design patterns
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor's degreein Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experiencein software development, with a focus on simulation, modeling, or aerospace systems
• Proficiency inC#/.NETandAngular(or similar frontend frameworks like React or Vue)
• Experience withTypeScript/JavaScriptand building RESTful APIs
• Strong understanding ofrelational databases(e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite)
• Solid grasp ofobject-oriented programmingprinciples and design patterns
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhDin Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience withDocker/Kubernetesfor containerization and orchestration
• Knowledge ofnetwork programming(e.g., Sockets, WebSockets) for real‑time data exchange
• Passion for rapid prototyping and software integration leveraging AI tools
• Passion for UI/UX design
• Experience with space mission analysis tools such as STK, or similar
• Experience with modeling of physical systems
• Familiarity withGitand modern version control workflows.
• Experience working inAgile/Scrumenvironments and contributing to iterative development cycles
• Advanced knowledge ofAngular NgRxor other state management libraries
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to debug complex systems
• A team‑oriented mindset with excellent communication skills and a positive attitude

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$120,000—$165,000 USD

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 here.

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents 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.

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, click here ITAR Regulations.