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 SOFTWARE ENGINEER I/II – SIMULATION ENGINEERING
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Software Engineer I/II – Simulation Engineering to join our team, based out of our Littleton, CO site. In this role, you will focus on architecting large-scale simulation environments and driving high-level data analysis to solve complex aerospace challenges. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to design distributed simulation campaigns, extract actionable insights from massive datasets, and support critical mission decision-making processes. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in big data analysis, distributed computational modeling, and software systems architecture, who thrives in solving constellation-level technical problems.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Architect and deploy large-scale, distributed simulation environments for complex aerospace systems, including multi-vehicle and constellation-level modeling.
- Develop robust data pipelines to process, analyze, and visualize massive datasets generated by high-fidelity simulations.
- Derive actionable engineering and mission-level insights through advanced statistical analysis and data modeling of simulation outputs.
- Optimize simulation infrastructure for high-performance computing (HPC) and distributed cluster environments to ensure scalability.
- Collaborate with domain experts to define campaign-level requirements and translate mission objectives into scalable simulation architectures.
- Lead the integration of complex simulation ecosystems, ensuring synchronization across multiple subsystems and analytical tools.
(Please note: This position can be hired at the Senior Software Engineer I or Senior Software Engineer II level.)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
- 5+ years of industry experience focusing on large-scale simulation engineering, data analysis, or distributed computational modeling.
- Proficiency in languages used for heavy data analysis and simulation infrastructure (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
- Demonstrated experience architecting and analyzing large-scale Monte Carlo campaigns.
- Experience processing and analyzing large datasets using modern data analytics libraries or frameworks.
- Experience modeling complex, multi-component physical systems (e.g., spacecraft constellations, multi-vehicle architectures, or robotics).
- U.S citizenship required, due to program requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
- 5+ years of industry experience focusing on large-scale simulation engineering, data analysis, or distributed computational modeling.
- Proficiency in languages used for heavy data analysis and simulation infrastructure (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
- Demonstrated experience architecting and analyzing large-scale Monte Carlo campaigns.
- Experience processing and analyzing large datasets using modern data analytics libraries or frameworks.
- Experience modeling complex, multi-component physical systems (e.g., spacecraft constellations, multi-vehicle architectures, or robotics).
- U.S citizenship required, due to program requirements.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Active Secret clearance, Top Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one
- Strong familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), parallel processing, and distributed compute clusters (e.g., Docker Swarm, Kubernetes).
- Experience in multi-vehicle or synchronized distributed simulation environments.
- Advanced understanding of statistical analysis, data visualization techniques, and optimization algorithms.
- Experience with machine learning or AI-driven methodologies applied to large dataset analysis or simulation generation.
- Familiarity with cloud-based simulation platforms or large-scale data lakes.
- Proven ability to tackle complex architectural challenges and deliver innovative data solutions.
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.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
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 Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
- 5+ years of industry experience in simulation engineering or computational modeling
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB
- Experience with simulation frameworks and tools (e.g., Simulink, ANSYS, COMSOL)
- Experience modeling physical systems such as spacecraft, aircraft, or robotics
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulations
- Experience designing and implementing graphical user interfaces (GUI)
- U.S citizenship
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.
