SOFTWARE ENGINEER I/II - ROBOTICSBased onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Software Engineer I/II - Robotics will develop software for robotic platforms, motion-control systems, sensing systems, machine interfaces, test systems, and production support tools. This role is hands-on and works closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, test, quality, and operations teams to turn robotics concepts into reliable working systems.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on software engineer with strong robotics or hardware-integrated software experience, sound software engineering fundamentals, and the ability to develop reliable software in a fast-paced hardware development environment. You will support design, implementation, simulation, hardware bring-up, integration, test, deployment, troubleshooting, and production support for robotic systems.
(Please note: This position can be hired as a Software Engineer I or Software Engineer II) WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- Develop and maintain software for robotic systems, embedded interfaces, control applications, test systems, and operator-facing tools.
- Implement software for robotic platforms, motion-control systems, sensing systems, machine interfaces, production support tools, and hardware test environments.
- Support software development from concept through implementation, simulation, hardware bring-up, integration, test, deployment, troubleshooting, and production support.
- Partner with mechanical, electrical, controls, systems, manufacturing, test, and quality teams to define requirements, interfaces, verification approaches, and release criteria.
- Integrate software with motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, motion controllers, embedded systems, machine vision systems, industrial networks, and robotic equipment.
- Troubleshoot issues across software, controls, electrical hardware, sensors, actuators, networks, robotic hardware, and production equipment.
- Support software quality through code reviews, version control, CI/CD, automated testing, documentation, release practices, and production support practices.
- Communicate software status, technical risks, trade studies, test results, and implementation plans to technical and cross-functional stakeholders.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:- Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 0-2 years of professional software engineering experience, including software for robotics, motion control, embedded systems, hardware systems, or other complex technical products.
- Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
- Experience with robotics frameworks such as ROS or ROS 2, including real-time variants or real-time robotics applications.
- Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware such as motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, motion controllers, embedded systems, machine vision, or industrial networks.
- Experience with real-time or embedded software, including an understanding of control loops, deterministic timing, and hardware bring-up.
- Solid software engineering fundamentals, including architecture, Git-based workflows, code reviews, CI/CD, automated testing, release practices, documentation, and production support.
- Experience developing in Linux environments.
- Demonstrated ability to define requirements, evaluate alternatives, support stakeholder alignment, and deliver software solutions in a cross-functional hardware development environment.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:- Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 2-5 years of professional software engineering experience, including software for robotics, motion control, embedded systems, hardware systems, or other complex technical products.
- Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
- Experience with robotics frameworks such as ROS or ROS 2, including real-time variants or real-time robotics applications.
- Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware such as motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, motion controllers, embedded systems, machine vision, or industrial networks.
- Experience with real-time or embedded software, including an understanding of control loops, deterministic timing, and hardware bring-up.
- Solid software engineering fundamentals, including architecture, Git-based workflows, code reviews, CI/CD, automated testing, release practices, documentation, and production support.
- Experience developing in Linux environments.
- Demonstrated ability to define requirements, evaluate alternatives, support stakeholder alignment, and deliver software solutions in a cross-functional hardware development environment.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- Experience with motion planning, kinematics and dynamics, trajectory generation, controls software, robot calibration, perception systems, state estimation, or sensor fusion.
- Experience with real-time operating systems, bare-metal embedded development, hard real-time control, or safety-critical software.
- Experience with spacecraft, embedded, or industrial communication interfaces such as CAN/CANopen, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, EtherCAT, SPI/I2C, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Modbus, OPC UA, PLCs, safety controllers, or other fieldbus protocols.
- Experience with simulation, digital twins, hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, flatsat, testbed environments, automated test equipment, or production test systems.
- Experience designing for fault tolerance, redundancy, cybersecurity, configuration control, or operation in radiation, thermal, vacuum, or other harsh environments.
- Experience working in aerospace, defense, space, advanced manufacturing, industrial robotics, medical device, or other high-reliability hardware environments.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear plans, risks, and decisions for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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)
$88,000-$135,000 USD
