Principal Flight Software Engineer 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 more than 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, U.S. Space Force, and private partners, including missions to the Moon and Mars.
The Role
As Principal Flight Software Engineer based in Long Beach, CA, you will lead flight software development for our Space Systems programs. You'll work on all aspects of software design and development, from requirements through coding and testing. Your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years, thanks to Rocket Lab's own rockets and launch sites.
What You'll Do
- Develop application software for Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux
- Develop hardware drivers for Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels, and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
- Write and maintain comprehensive unit tests within a Continuous Integration framework
- Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality
- Work with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers on requirements development, documentation, and validation
- Review source code changes and enforce company coding standards
- Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR)
- Support on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or other technical engineering discipline
- 12+ years of demonstrated embedded software development experience
- Proficiency in Rust, C++, and C
- Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux
- Experience leading junior software developers and collaborating with other engineering disciplines
- Active Security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Nice to Have
- Master's or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical discipline)
- Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP in embedded systems
- Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments
Compensation and Benefits
Base Salary: $160,000-$245,000 USD
Total Compensation (base and equity): $210,000-$324,000 USD
Benefits include company stock, 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 merchandise, and other employee discounts.
Working Conditions
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.