Senior Software Engineer I - Simulation Engineering

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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. 

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I – SIMULATION ENGINEERING

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Software Engineer I – Simulation Engineering to join our team, based out of our Littleton, CO site. In this role, you will focus on architecting large-scale simulation environments and driving high-level data analysis to solve complex aerospace challenges. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to design distributed simulation campaigns, extract actionable insights from massive datasets, and support critical mission decision-making processes. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in big data analysis, distributed computational modeling, and software systems architecture, who thrives in solving constellation-level technical problems.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Architect and deploy large-scale, distributed simulation environments for complex aerospace systems, including multi-vehicle and constellation-level modeling.
• Develop robust data pipelines to process, analyze, and visualize massive datasets generated by high-fidelity simulations.
• Derive actionable engineering and mission-level insights through advanced statistical analysis and data modeling of simulation outputs.
• Optimize simulation infrastructure for high-performance computing (HPC) and distributed cluster environments to ensure scalability.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define campaign-level requirements and translate mission objectives into scalable simulation architectures.
• Lead the integration of complex simulation ecosystems, ensuring synchronization across multiple subsystems and analytical tools. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience focusing on large-scale simulation engineering, data analysis, or distributed computational modeling. 
• Proficiency in languages used for heavy data analysis and simulation infrastructure (e.g., Python, C++, or similar). 
• Demonstrated experience architecting and analyzing large-scale Monte Carlo campaigns. 
• Experience processing and analyzing large datasets using modern data analytics libraries or frameworks. 
• Experience modeling complex, multi-component physical systems (e.g., spacecraft constellations, multi-vehicle architectures, or robotics). 
• U.S citizenship required, due to program requirements.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active Secret clearance, Top Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one
• Strong familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), parallel processing, and distributed compute clusters (e.g., Docker Swarm, Kubernetes). 
• Experience in multi-vehicle or synchronized distributed simulation environments. 
• Advanced understanding of statistical analysis, data visualization techniques, and optimization algorithms. 
• Experience with machine learning or AI-driven methodologies applied to large dataset analysis or simulation generation. 
• Familiarity with cloud-based simulation platforms or large-scale data lakes. 
• Proven ability to tackle complex architectural challenges and deliver innovative data solutions. 

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.  

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$115,000—$155,000 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 rocketlabcorp.com 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.