Senior Ground Software Engineer I

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, separati...

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 Develop...

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I 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, reliab...

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.

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
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

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO