Senior Software Systems Engineer II

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Developm...

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and air...

Design, integrate, and develop software for space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms
Understand and interpret overall system architecture, deriving and allocating software and firmware requirements to ensure consistency across interfaces and subsystems
Understand the software/firmware development pipeline and SW/FW development process, from requirements through build, integration, test, and release
Develop and maintain:
Technical budgets for vehicle performance
Software System requirements and verification techniques
Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
Test methods and data analysis
Provide technical oversight of system software architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance
Assist with programs and product management
Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents
Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
Execute software verification test campaigns on the flatsat, development unit, or flight unit, including test setup, dry runs, and formal verification runs
Verify the correct software build and configuration are under test, confirming the as-tested configuration matches the intended verification
Support authoring, derivation, and verification of software and firmware requirements, and maintain requirements traceability throughout the development lifecycle, addressing conflicts or gaps
Participate in technical interchange meetings (TIMs) and represent the organization in project discussions with internal stakeholders and external partners
Mentor other engineers on systems engineering, requirements, and verification and validation (V&V) methodologies
Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software or computer engineering)
Active Clearance
8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry; with 2+ years directly supporting software development projects and 1+ years in project or team leadership
A strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
Demonstrable experience in systems software engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating with space or airborne instruments
Experience with requirements management, workflow, and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, JIRA, or Cameo
Experience supporting development programs
U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Active TS/SCI clearance
Master’s or PhD in engineering (software or computer engineering)
EO/IR payload integration experience
Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
Experience with the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) from requirements development through systems operations and maintenance
Knowledge of software interfaces and communications protocols
Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issues
Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO