Software Engineer II - MES

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical insurance

Professional development opportunities

Flexible spending accounts

Onsite gym

Job summary

Rocket Lab is looking for a Software Engineer II at their Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA. In this role, you will collaborate with various teams to develop software solutions for critical operations, focusing on the in-house Manufacturing Execution System. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of experience, is proficient in C# and TypeScript frameworks, and can work within a service-oriented architecture.

Benefits include competitive salary, company equity, top-tier medical coverage, PTO, and more. Join Rocket Lab to contribute to innovative space missions and technology!

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• Proficiency in statically‑typed programming languages (e.g., C#).
• Strong knowledge of relational databases and REST APIs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop database schemas and web applications.
• Write software tests and maintain documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Software development experience

C#

TypeScript frameworks

Relational databases

REST APIs

Education

Degree in Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

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 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. It has enabled more than 1,700 missions across interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing, national security, and defense, working with partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Software Engineer II – MES

Based at Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA, the Software Engineer II – MES collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, technicians, and operations teams to develop full‑stack software solutions that improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. The role focuses on the in‑house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform and tools that integrate with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

What You’ll Do

• Work on applications that utilize relational databases and REST APIs within a service‑oriented architecture, ensuring seamless upstream and downstream interactions.
• Design and develop database schemas, back‑end and front‑end web applications, user interfaces, and machine‑to‑machine services.
• Write software and unit tests, maintain documentation, and review and approve source code merge requests.
• Apply engineering concepts and theories to solve challenges, execute provided solutions, and navigate daily tasks within your technical system.
• Create, review, and approve technical documents relevant to your expertise while supporting peers and cross‑functional teams.
• Independently plan and execute tasks, ensuring priorities are understood.
• Collaborate with other teams and support tasks or projects as needed, ensuring alignment with leadership and team goals.
• Lead demonstrations of software products, deliver training, and deploy and support operational software systems.

You'll Bring These Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another technical discipline.
• 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• Proficiency in statically‑typed programming languages (e.g., C#).
• Experience with modern TypeScript frameworks (e.g., Angular).
• Strong knowledge of relational databases and REST APIs.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• Experience with manufacturing and aerospace industries.
• Familiarity with AWS and other cloud providers.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of Elasticsearch.

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.

Benefits

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Employees may receive company equity and a robust benefits package that includes top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and additional discounts.

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.