PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER - TS/SCI

Based out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Software Engineer to serve as the Chief Software Engineer for a major constellation program. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, reliable, and mission-critical software systems for space-based applications. With expertise in flight software, embedded systems, and ground software systems, you will collaborate with systems teams, software engineers, and stakeholders to ensure mission success. If you have a passion for aerospace and defense, hold an active TS/SCI clearance, and thrive in fast-paced environments, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security and space exploration.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead Software Architecture Design: Define and evolve the end-to-end software architecture for flight and ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and mission success.
• Develop Flight Software: Design application software for spacecraft operating within Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, or embedded Linux, including hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators such as IMUs, Star Trackers, and Reaction Wheels.
• Build Ground Software Systems: Architect and deploy web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations, integrating flight and ground systems to support diverse mission profiles.
• Test and Validate Systems: Develop unit tests within a Continuous Integration (CI) framework and collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality.
• Collaborate and Lead: Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams, act as a trusted advisor to leadership, and partner with stakeholders to align software systems with mission requirements.
• Support On-Orbit Operations: Ensure software performance in harsh environments and contribute to mission-critical operations.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• 12+ years of professional software development experience, including embedded systems and ground software.
• Proven expertise in architecting scalable and reliable software systems for aerospace or defense applications.
• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development and python for testing.
• Experience with both DIO and AIO (Digital and Analog Inputs and Outputs).
• Experience with integrating hardware, including implementing ICDs, and debugging.
• Experience with deriving the Flight Software architecture from the electrical design including reading a master ICD list and/or schematics.
• Experience with RF ground to space communication.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• Active TS/SCI clearance is required

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability.
• Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD, SpaceWire, and/or UDP/TCP protocols.
• Experience leading teams and working with program management to plan out work and staffing.
• Expertise in microservice architectures, distributed systems, and modern web frameworks such as FastAPI.
• Full-stack development experience, including:
• Backend: Golang, and/or Rust.
• Frontend: Typescript and Angular.
• Database: InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD.
• Experience designing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles.
• Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration.
• Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (e.g., OAuth).

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.

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$170,000-$260,000 USD