PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER 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 airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
As a Principal Software Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will design flight software in support of spacecraft for Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- Play a key role supporting the development of payload flight software for our Space Systems programs.
- Focus on deployment of novel algorithms into austere environments on Size/Weight/Power constrained sensor systems.
- Lead cross-functional teams to define technical requirements and deliver integrated solutions.
- Provide technical leadership in all aspects of software design and development starting with requirements generation and following through implementation, testing, deployment.
- Define and influence software architecture, design patterns, interfaces, and technical standards to ensure scalable, maintainable, and extensible solutions.
- Drive core software fundamentals of performance-oriented programming leveraging a variety of accelerator technologies.
- Mentor engineers across experience levels, provide technical guidance, and foster a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
- Support technical planning, effort estimation, risk identification, dependency management, and milestone delivery while communicating technical status and risks to stakeholders.
- Be part of a team of driven pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER:- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering.
- 12+ years of experience in embedded software engineering experience.
- Experience in designing complex multithreaded application.
- Experience designing flight software.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government security clearance.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- Familiarity with high-performance and parallel processing.
- Exposure to novel architectures including FPGA, CUDA, etc.
- Familiarity with flight software system management.
- Experience with algorithm implementation.
- Exposure to Python and MATLAB is highly desired.
- Familiarity with numerical computing principles.
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, 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. 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)
$198,900-$324,800 USD
Base Salary
$163,500-$218,000 USD
WHAT TO EXPECTWe're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
