Senior Ground Software Engineer II 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. The Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer II based in Long Beach, CA, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across 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.

What You'll Own

• 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
• 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 required due to program requirements
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS clearance
• Full-stack development experience in 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): $150,000 - $225,000 USD. Compensation is determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: top tier medical HMO and PPO plans with 100% company-sponsored HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Working Conditions

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.