Senior Ground Software Engineer I Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I based 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 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ 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 required, due to program requirements
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one

Nice to Have

• Active TS clearance
• Full-stack development experience: Python, Golang, Rust (backend); Typescript and Angular (frontend); InfluxDB, PostgreSQL (database)
• Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright
• Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground or mission operations
• Experience designing with Python web frameworks such as FastAPI
• 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 and authorization frameworks such as OAuth
• Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $130,000 to $198,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: top-tier medical HMO, PPO and 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, access to 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility may vary based on employment status.

Employment Requirements

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 (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 Department of Commerce.

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.