PRINCIPAL FLIGHT SOFTWARE ENGINEERBased 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 definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit.
This role is for someone who wants to see their software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- 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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:- 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
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: - 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
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,
you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total Compensation (base and equity)
$210,000-$324,000 USD
Base Salary
$160,000-$245,000 USD
