Ground Software Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB:
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a Ground Software Engineer, you’ll support the development of spacecraft platforms, with an emphasis on operations software. In this role, you will be a full-stack developer working on a range of ground software for spacecraft mission operations. These will include LEO, re-entry, interplanetary, and rendezvous and proximity operations missions – each with new and unique challenges. As part of this role, you will work in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment to:

• Develop and maintain spacecraft mission operations software for command and data handling, automation, and visualization.
• Support on-orbit operations and ground-based test campaigns.
• Develop and evolve versatile and scalable ground software architecture for spacecraft operations.
• Collaborate with a range of stakeholders such as flight software engineers, operations engineers, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needs.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field
• 2+ years work experience in relevant industry
• Python for async backend development
• Typescript for frontend development using a modern framework (Angular, React, Vue)
• RDBMS design, language (SQL) and best practices
• Proponent of unit, integration and e2e testing
• Containerization for development and production, eg. Docker, Kubernetes as well as any cloud provider experience
• Agile scrum methodologies and ability to lead related meetings
• Proficient in Linux for development and production
• Team player with a positive attitude

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Minimum of 5 years professional experience within a relevant discipline
• Experience with distributed architectures and 3rd party integrations, eg. metrics, message brokers
• Experience with time series databases (eg. Influx)
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines
• Network programming (TCP, WebSockets)
• Experience in the aerospace industry and satellite operations, including interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents
• Experience creating clean REST APIs

Salary dependent upon experience: NZD$ 90,000 - NZD$ 112,000

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as 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.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.