Senior Software Engineer I

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our rockets and satellites enable some of the most ambitious space missions worldwide, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change initiatives, national security, and cutting‑edge technology demonstrations.

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I – MES

Based at Rocket Lab's Albuquerque, NM site, the Senior Software Engineer I – MES will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations teams to develop full‑stack software solutions that improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the in‑house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform and on tools that integrate with the ERP system and related products.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in frontend or 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, and end‑to‑end), code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira
• Leverage version control systems (e.g., Git) to manage code, maintain thorough documentation, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders
• Provide user support and ensure seamless integration with related technical systems outside your immediate area of responsibility
• Solve complex engineering challenges by proposing innovative solutions, sharing insights into technical concepts, and navigating tasks within your technical domain

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another technical discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in full‑stack software engineering
• Strong Git skills for version control and collaboration
• Proficiency in C# and TypeScript
• Operational knowledge of Angular or another front‑end framework, .NET or another backend framework, Git, SQL, and HTML/CSS
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Proficiency in RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch
• Experience in aerospace domains such as Launch Operations, ERP, QMS, and PLM

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a 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

Important Information

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (current Green Card holders), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as refugees or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or 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 click.appcast.io. This 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.