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.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
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, 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, 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. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER I/II
As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I/II based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible, with deliverables that support internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Lab’s web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations.
- Partner with flight software developers, mission operations personnel, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs.
- Deploy, configure, and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles.
- Establish robust monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues.
- Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience, system integration, and long-term maintainability.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy, risk areas, and emerging technologies.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Ground Software Engineer I or Senior Ground Software Engineer II level)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 5+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development
- Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale
- Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 8+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development
- Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale
- Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Active TS clearance
- Full-stack development experience, including:
- Backend – Python, Golang, and/or Rust
- Frontend – Typescript and Angular
- Database – InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent
- Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright
- Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations
- Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent)
- Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems
- Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams
- Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs
- Familiarity with database architecture, schema design, and optimization
- Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration
- Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth, etc.)
- Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD
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.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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.
Important information:
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 [email protected] 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 5+ years relevant professional software development experience (Senior Ground Software Engineer I)
- 8+ years relevant professional software development experience (Senior Ground Software Engineer II)
- Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale
- Strong systems-level thinking; ability to balance trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability
- U.S. citizenship (required due to program/ITAR requirements)
- Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
- Must be physically able to commute to buildings
- Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus
- Active Top Secret (TS) clearance
- Full-stack development experience: backend (Python, Golang, and/or Rust) and frontend (Typescript, Angular)
- Database experience: InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent
- Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright
- Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations
- Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent)
- Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems
- Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration
- Familiarity with modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth)
- Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD
- Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs and demonstrated leadership in system delivery
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options are offered, including a company‑sponsored HSA plan option and supportive ancillary benefits. These elements portray comprehensive healthcare support for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase program with discounted share access and a look‑back feature, alongside eligibility for equity, is presented as a strong component of total rewards. This structure can meaningfully augment cash pay for those who value long‑term upside.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and paid parental leave are included. These provisions indicate a complete time‑off offering for a midsize aerospace employer.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
