Full-Time

Principal Flight Software Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Launch services and spacecraft solutions provider

Robotics & Automation
Aerospace
Defense

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++

You match the following Rocket Lab USA's candidate preferences

Employers are more likely to interview you if you match these preferences:

Degree
Experience
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 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

$713.3M

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

-1%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for small satellite launches boosts Rocket Lab's market position.
  • Neutron rocket development aligns with advancements in reusable rocket technology.
  • U.S. government investment in space defense benefits Rocket Lab's contracts.

What critics are saying

  • Competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.
  • Potential delays in Virginia launch site operational status affecting schedules.
  • Reliance on New Zealand launch site poses geopolitical and natural disruption risks.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.
  • Photon spacecraft supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.
  • Rocket Lab operates a private orbital launch site in New Zealand.

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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