Senior Flight Software Engineer II - Secret Clearance Verified today
About this role
You will develop flight software for Rocket Lab's Space Systems programs, working on everything from requirements definition through coding, testing, and on-orbit operations. Your software runs in real environments on orbit within weeks, not years, thanks to Rocket Lab's own rockets and launch sites.
What you will 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
- Develop 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 and embedded systems engineers on requirements development, documentation, and validation
- Review source code changes and ensure compliance with company coding standards
- Participate in design reviews including 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
- Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI
- 8 or more years of demonstrated experience in embedded software development
- Proficiency in C and C++ languages
- Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux
- U.S. citizenship (program requirement)
Nice to have
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
- Advanced degree
- Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP in embedded systems
- Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles in harsh environments such as satellites
Compensation and benefits
Base pay range (CA): $151,000 to $227,000 USD. You will receive company stock as part of total compensation. Benefits include an 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 other employee discounts. Final base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
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.
Export control
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or admitted refugee/asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.