Senior Principal Software Engineer - TS/SCI

Job summary

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 – all with the goal of opening access to space.

Qualifications

• Based out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Principal Software Engineer to serve as the Chief Software Engineer for a major constellation program.
• If you have a passion for aerospace and defense, hold an active TS/SCI clearance, and thrive in fast-paced environments, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security and space exploration.
• Support On-Orbit Operations: Ensure software performance in harsh environments and contribute to mission-critical operations.
• YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of professional software development experience, including embedded systems and ground software.
• Proven expertise in architecting scalable and reliable software systems for aerospace or defense applications.
• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development and python for testing.
• Experience with both DIO and AIO (Digital and Analog Inputs and Outputs).
• Experience with integrating hardware, including implementing ICDs, and debugging.
• Experience with deriving the Flight Software architecture from the electrical design including reading a master ICD list and/or schematics.
• Experience with RF ground to space communication.

Responsibilities

• In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, reliable, and mission-critical software systems for space-based applications.
• With expertise in flight software, embedded systems, and ground software systems, you will collaborate with systems teams, software engineers, and stakeholders to ensure mission success.
• WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

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Security clearance