Principal Flight Software Engineer

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...

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal Flight Software Engineer will play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You’ll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements defin...

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 a PDR and CDR
Assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary!) flight operations

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or other technical engineering discipline)
12+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
Proficiency in Rust, C++, and C languages
Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
Experience leading junior software developers, collaborating with other engineering disciplines, and interacting with customers
Active Security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one 
U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Master’s or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
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

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO