Simplify Logo

Full-Time

Senior Flight Software Engineer I

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$120k - $175kAnnually

+ Company Stock + Cash Incentives + Employee Stock Purchase Program

Senior

Littleton, CO, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Software Engineering
Required Skills
Software Testing
Operating Systems
Linux/Unix
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
  • 5+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
  • Proficiency in C and C++ languages
  • Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
Responsibilities
  • 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

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$1.5B

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

13%

1 year growth

33%

2 year growth

79%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a $70 million investment and creation of 100 new jobs, indicates strong growth and job opportunities.
  • Significant investments from firms like Verus Capital Partners and Susquehanna Fundamental Investments reflect strong market confidence in Rocket Lab's future.
  • Government funding, including $41 million from the Chips Act and $44 million from New Mexico, bolsters Rocket Lab's financial stability and capacity for innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The competitive landscape of the space industry, with major players like SpaceX, could pressure Rocket Lab to continuously innovate to maintain its market position.
  • Delays or failures in the development of the Neutron launch vehicle could impact Rocket Lab's ability to capture larger payload markets.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, showcasing a proven track record of reliability and success.
  • The company's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected for high-profile NASA missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, setting it apart from competitors.
  • Rocket Lab's dual launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia provide operational flexibility and increased launch frequency, a strategic advantage over competitors with fewer launch sites.