Full-Time

Principal Flight Software Engineer

Posted on 12/19/2024

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Compensation Overview

$150k - $215kAnnually

+ Company Stock + Cash Incentives + Employee Stock Purchase Program

Senior, Expert

No H1B Sponsorship

Littleton, CO, USA

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful U.S. permanent residents due to ITAR regulations.

US Citizenship Required

Category
Embedded Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Software Engineering
Required Skills
C/C++
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
  • 12+ 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
Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced Degree
  • 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, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron rocket, 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 for its reliability, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and efficiency. The company's goal is to make space more accessible for both private and public sector organizations, enabling advancements in areas like national security, scientific research, and climate monitoring.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Mynaric acquisition enhances satellite-to-satellite optical communication capabilities.
  • Flatellite satellite model targets large constellations, competing with Starlink.
  • Successful lunar mission involvement boosts credibility for complex space missions.

What critics are saying

  • Mynaric acquisition may face integration challenges, delaying product rollouts.
  • Sea-based Neutron rocket landings may encounter technical and regulatory hurdles.
  • Securities fraud lawsuit could damage reputation and affect investor confidence.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.
  • Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and Venus.
  • Neutron rocket development aims for sea-based landings, reducing recovery costs.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Business Wire
Mar 12th, 2025
Rocket Lab Announces “At The Market” (ATM) Equity Offering Program

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or the “Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has file

SpaceNews
Mar 12th, 2025
Rocket Lab to expand into laser communications with Mynaric acquisition

"Rocket Lab would acquire extensive production assets, Intellectual Property, product inventory and committed backlog related to satellite-to-satellite optical connectivity solutions for next generation constellations," the company said in the news release, "augmenting Rocket Lab's already extensive portfolio of satellite components, subsystems and software."

Benzinga
Mar 11th, 2025
Laser Photonics Expands Into Aerospace With Key Rocket Lab Deal: Details

Laser Photonics expands into aerospace with key Rocket Lab deal: details.

Space.com
Mar 9th, 2025
Rocket Lab unveils plan to land Neutron rockets at sea, 1st launch in 2025

Additionally, Rocket Lab has unveiled a plan to modify an offshore barge, which they've named "Return on Investment."

Investing.com
Mar 3rd, 2025
Rocket Lab aids in successful lunar mission

Rocket Lab, established in 2006, has a proven track record with its Electron launch vehicle and is developing the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment.

INACTIVE