SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER IIAs a
Senior Ground Software Engineer II based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible, with deliverables that support internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Lab's web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations.
- Partner with flight software developers, mission operations personnel, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs.
- Deploy, configure, and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles.
- Establish robust monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues.
- Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience, system integration, and long-term maintainability.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy, risk areas, and emerging technologies.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 8+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development
- Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale
- Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- Active TS clearance
- Full-stack development experience, including:
- Backend - Python, Golang, and/or Rust
- Frontend - Typescript and Angular
- Database - InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent
- Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright
- Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations
- Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent)
- Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems
- Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams
- Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs
- Familiarity with database architecture, schema design, and optimization
- Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration
- Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth, etc.)
- Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD
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.
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.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$151,000-$227,000 USD
