Senior Software Engineer - Operations Software

Senior Software Engineer – Operations Software Auckland, NZ Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. 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 a line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. Neutron Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time. Senior Software Engineer – Operations Software As a Senior Software Engineer – Operations Software based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland, New Zealand, you will create, maintain, deploy and support components, functions or services in launch vehicles and spacecraft operations. You will perform independent engineering as allocated and have product ownership. Join a driven team tackling challenging projects, delivering exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space. What You’ll Get to Do Acquisition, ingestion and storage of telemetry from: Launch Operations Spacecraft Operations Integrated Systems Testing Operational Simulations Sub‑System Testing Design and implement software, tests, and architecture based on feature requests and bug fixes. Create operational documentation for software products. Manage and review source code using version control tools and establish code review standards. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar. Minimum of 5+ years’ experience within a related field. Experience with Git. Experience with one of: Redmine, Jira, or other issue tracker. High‑performance systems & scalability knowledge. Nice to Have Network Protocols (UDP / TCP / gRPC / CCSDS). System Administration. CI/CD systems. Python Development. What To Expect We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Eligibility and Compliance For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only: 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, or meet other eligibility criteria. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected]. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers, including nationality checks. It is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr