Senior Software Engineer - Neutron Configuration Management

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 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.

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.

What you'll get to do

Neutron is Rocket Lab's new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently under development.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to join our growing team.

In this role, you will be responsible for architecting, implementing, and maintaining software solutions that manage and control configuration data for the Neutron launch vehicle program.

Configuration data describes the design, performance and characteristics of the launch vehicle and supporting systems.

It ties the mission to the systems that perform the mission.

It ensures engineers, analysts and operators are using consistent, coherent information before, during and after the flight.

Your products will be crucial, ensuring the completeness and correctness of configuration data across teams including Design, Analysis, Vehicle Integration, Software, Operations, and Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC).

Key responsibilities

Work closely with Engineering teams to gather and understand configuration data requirements

Design, develop, and maintain software solutions for configuration data management, including automated processes to manage data updates and deployment

Own, maintain, and drive the successful delivery of configuration tooling projects through direct project management and / or collaboration with workstream leaders

Understand and leverage Shared Service team capabilities and existing products

Review and / or contribute directly to codebases as needed

Perform audits and quality checks to ensure compliance with internal and external standards

Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to configuration data management

Provide documentation and training on your products and processes to other team members

You'll bring these qualifications

Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, or related field

Minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C++

Experience with tools like Git, TeamCity, or Ansible

Familiar with a Linux based development environment

Strong understanding of database design and management

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Strong communication and collaboration skills

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

These qualifications would be nice to have

A working knowledge of physical concepts related to aerospace systems

Proven experience in configuration data management

Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, etc.)

Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI / CD pipelines

Experience with Bazel

Experience with Docker and Kubernetes

Experience with manufacturing / production environments

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, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and / or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Learn more about ITAR.

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

This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply / interview.

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' ITAR.

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.

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