Software Engineer, Lead

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier medical HMO & PPO

100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option

3 weeks paid vacation

11 paid holidays per year

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to enhance its Manufacturing Execution System at the Long Beach, CA facility. The successful candidate will lead a small technical team and work closely with various departments to develop innovative software solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency.

This role requires a degree in Software Engineering or related field and over 5 years of experience in software development, alongside strong leadership and problem-solving abilities. A competitive salary range is offered, alongside a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• Proven experience in team leadership.
• Technical expertise in frontend or backend technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop full-stack software solutions for Rocket Lab operations.
• Manage a small technical team on MES projects.
• Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem-solving skills

Agile methodologies

UI/UX design

Full-stack development

DevOps

Education

Degree/diploma in Software Engineering or related field

Tools

HTML/CSS

TypeScript

NodeJS

C#/.NET

SQL

REST APIs

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.

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 and 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 and 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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, LEAD

Based out of Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA, the Software Engineer, Lead will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full‑stack software solutions that enhance 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 a service‑oriented architecture. Provide front‑line management for a small technical team working on MES projects and work with team management to coordinate strategic activities.

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
• Review and approve code, merge requests, architecture designs, and software requirements
• Define product roadmaps, refine backlogs, and manage epics, features, and releases
• Lead and manage scrum activities, metrics, and agile workflows
• Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders to gather and refine system requirements
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, deliver training sessions, and provide ongoing support for deployed products
• Plan and schedule releases aligned with business goals and timelines
• Oversee deployment and operational support of software, ensuring high‑quality deliverables
• Implement machine‑to‑machine services and create intuitive web‑based user interfaces
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver value to stakeholders
• Provide vision, leadership, and project coordination for the MES team
• Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering growth
• Define roles and responsibilities, provide timely feedback, and ensure team motivation and efficiency
• Facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for team members

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Proven experience in team leadership
• Excellent problem‑solving and project management skills
• Technical expertise in HTML/CSS, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, or similar frameworks
• Proficiency with SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.NET development
• Experience with Linux as a development environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with User Interface development
• Database application development
• Experience with tools and technologies such as RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch
• Familiarity with aerospace industry domains, including Launch Operations, Enterprise Resource Planning, Quality Management Systems, Product Life Cycle Management
• Program management experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate 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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 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 access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $142,000 – $189,000 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.

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]. This 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.