Senior Flight Software Engineer I Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives, with spacecraft and components for the Moon and Mars working alongside NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
You will play a key role in developing flight software for Space Systems programs. You will participate in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition 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 to run within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux
- Develop hardware drivers to interface to Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
- Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to run within a Continuous Integration framework
- Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality
- Collaborate with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers in developing, documenting and validating requirements
- Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards
- Participate in design reviews such as PDR and CDR
- Assist with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
- 5+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
- Proficiency in C and C++ languages
- Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance
- Advanced Degree
- Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system
- Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay range for CA: $132,000 to $198,000 USD. You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Benefits include an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero cost HDHP with significant 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, and 401(k) with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merch store, and various employee discounts.
Work Environment
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.