Flight Software Engineer II Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Our Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security work for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
As Flight Software Engineer II based in Long Beach, CA, you will develop flight software for our Space Systems programs. You'll work across requirements definition, coding, and testing. Your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years, thanks to Rocket Lab's owned launch capability.
What You'll Do
- Develop application software for Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux
- Develop hardware drivers for IMUs, star trackers, reaction wheels, and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
- Develop and maintain unit tests within a Continuous Integration framework
- Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify software and hardware integration
- Work with systems and embedded systems engineers on requirements development and validation
- Review source code changes and enforce coding standards
- Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR)
- Support on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent
- 2+ years demonstrated embedded software development experience
- Proficiency in C and C++
- Experience with RTOS or embedded Linux
- Active Secret security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Nice to Have
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
- Rust language experience
- Advanced degree
- CAN/CAN-FD and UDP/TCP embedded systems experience
- Software development for autonomous vehicles in harsh environments (satellites, autonomous vehicles)
Compensation
Base Salary: $100,000 to $130,000 USD
Total Compensation (base and equity): $112,000 to $145,000 USD
Equity grants are valued based on function, level, and experience; realized value depends on vesting and stock performance. You will receive company stock as part of total compensation.
Benefits
Comprehensive package includes Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on company merchandise, and various other employee discounts.
Work Environment
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.