Software Engineer I/II

About The Role

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. 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, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive 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. 

SPACE SYSTEMS  

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

SOFTWARE ENGINEER I/II - ROBOTICS

Based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Software Engineer I/II - Robotics will develop software for robotic platforms, motion-control systems, sensing systems, machine interfaces, test systems, and production support tools. This role is hands-on and works closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, test, quality, and operations teams to turn robotics concepts into reliable working systems.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on software engineer with strong robotics or hardware-integrated software experience, sound software engineering fundamentals, and the ability to develop reliable software in a fast-paced hardware development environment. You will support design, implementation, simulation, hardware bring-up, integration, test, deployment, troubleshooting, and production support for robotic systems.

(Please note: This position can be hired as a Software Engineer I or Software Engineer II) 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and maintain software for robotic systems, embedded interfaces, control applications, test systems, and operator-facing tools.
• Implement software for robotic platforms, motion-control systems, sensing systems, machine interfaces, production support tools, and hardware test environments.
• Support software development from concept through implementation, simulation, hardware bring-up, integration, test, deployment, troubleshooting, and production support.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, controls, systems, manufacturing, test, and quality teams to define requirements, interfaces, verification approaches, and release criteria.
• Integrate software with motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, motion controllers, embedded systems, machine vision systems, industrial networks, and robotic equipment.
• Troubleshoot issues across software, controls, electrical hardware, sensors, actuators, networks, robotic hardware, and production equipment.
• Support software quality through code reviews, version control, CI/CD, automated testing, documentation, release practices, and production support practices.
• Communicate software status, technical risks, trade studies, test results, and implementation plans to technical and cross-functional stakeholders.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 0-2 years of professional software engineering experience, including software for robotics, motion control, embedded systems, hardware systems, or other complex technical products.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with robotics frameworks such as ROS or ROS 2, including real-time variants or real-time robotics applications.
• Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware such as motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, motion controllers, embedded systems, machine vision, or industrial networks.
• Experience with real-time or embedded software, including an understanding of control loops, deterministic timing, and hardware bring-up.
• Solid software engineering fundamentals, including architecture, Git-based workflows, code reviews, CI/CD, automated testing, release practices, documentation, and production support.
• Experience developing in Linux environments.
• Demonstrated ability to define requirements, evaluate alternatives, support stakeholder alignment, and deliver software solutions in a cross-functional hardware development environment.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 2-5 years of professional software engineering experience, including software for robotics, motion control, embedded systems, hardware systems, or other complex technical products.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with robotics frameworks such as ROS or ROS 2, including real-time variants or real-time robotics applications.
• Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware such as motors, actuators, encoders, sensors, motion controllers, embedded systems, machine vision, or industrial networks.
• Experience with real-time or embedded software, including an understanding of control loops, deterministic timing, and hardware bring-up.
• Solid software engineering fundamentals, including architecture, Git-based workflows, code reviews, CI/CD, automated testing, release practices, documentation, and production support.
• Experience developing in Linux environments.
• Demonstrated ability to define requirements, evaluate alternatives, support stakeholder alignment, and deliver software solutions in a cross-functional hardware development environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with motion planning, kinematics and dynamics, trajectory generation, controls software, robot calibration, perception systems, state estimation, or sensor fusion.
• Experience with real-time operating systems, bare-metal embedded development, hard real-time control, or safety-critical software.
• Experience with spacecraft, embedded, or industrial communication interfaces such as CAN/CANopen, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, EtherCAT, SPI/I2C, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Modbus, OPC UA, PLCs, safety controllers, or other fieldbus protocols.
• Experience with simulation, digital twins, hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, flatsat, testbed environments, automated test equipment, or production test systems.
• Experience designing for fault tolerance, redundancy, cybersecurity, configuration control, or operation in radiation, thermal, vacuum, or other harsh environments.
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, space, advanced manufacturing, industrial robotics, medical device, or other high-reliability hardware environments.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear plans, risks, and decisions for technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$88,000—$135,000 USD

 

WHAT TO EXPECT  

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. 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 our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US 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 (i.e., current 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 the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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 View email address on us.fitly.work dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

 

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.