Software Engineer, Lead

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. Our rockets and satellites support scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change missions, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

About the Role

Based at Rocket Lab’s Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA, the Software Engineer, Lead will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full‑stack software solutions that enhance operational efficiency. The focus is on the in‑house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform and tools that integrate with ERP and related products. Applications rely heavily on relational databases and REST APIs within a service‑oriented architecture.

Lead a small technical team on MES projects, coordinate strategic activities, and provide front‑line management.

Responsibilities

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in frontend/backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, DevOps, or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE).
• Develop world‑class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit, integration, end‑to‑end), code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira.
• Review and approve code, merge requests, architecture designs, and software requirements.
• Define product roadmaps, refine backlogs, and manage epics, features, and releases.
• Lead and manage scrum activities, metrics, and Agile workflows.
• Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders to gather and refine system requirements.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, deliver training sessions, and provide ongoing support for deployed products.
• Plan and schedule releases aligned with business goals and timelines.
• Oversee deployment and operational support of software, ensuring high‑quality deliverables.
• Implement machine‑to‑machine services and create intuitive web‑based user interfaces.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver value to stakeholders.
• Provide vision, leadership, and project coordination for the MES team.
• Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet project deadlines and objectives.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering growth.
• Define roles and responsibilities, provide timely feedback, and ensure team motivation and efficiency.
• Facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for team members.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• Proven experience in team leadership.
• Excellent problem‑solving and project management skills.
• Technical expertise in HTML/CSS, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, or similar frameworks.
• Proficiency with SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.Net development.
• Experience with Linux as a development environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience with User Interface development.
• Database application development.
• Experience with RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry domains such as Launch Operations, ERP, QMS, PLM.
• Program management experience.

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary (CA Only): $142,000—$189,000 USD per year. Salary is determined by job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Employees may receive company equity and a robust benefits package, including medical HMO/PPO, 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and additional discounts.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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 any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.