Senior Flight Software Engineer

**ABOUT ROCKET LAB**

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights

**ABOUT THE ROLE**:
The Electron Flight Software team is responsible for developing, maintaining, and supporting critical software systems for the Electron launch vehicle and kick-stage. This involves creating software that operates avionics, manages telemetry and commands, and hosts guidance, navigation, and control algorithms. This role will take ownership of multiple core areas within the Electron FSW architecture and lead new major projects to drive 100% mission success as we ramp up in launch cadence. This will be achieved by ensuring the reliability and flexibility of flight software through rigorous design, review and verification via software and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Key attributes for this role are the ability to move at pace and take ownership of delivering major projects while collaborating with multiple teams and maintaining a high level of quality.

**WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO**:

- Verification and release of flight software vis HITL testing facilities
- Develop documentation for operation of software products
- Give transparency to the wider business on current status, any blockers and accommodate any discussions which can unlock current or future blockers
- Facilitate team planning activities (e.g. stand-up, retrospectives, sprint planning)
- Identifying project risks and taking steps to avoid potential pitfalls and pivot where necessary to keep development on track

**YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS**:

- An engineering degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification
- 5+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development using C and C++
- Experience developing software and drivers with UDP/TCP within an embedded system
- Experience with Embedded Linux, including deployment (e.g. Yocto)

**THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE**:

- Professional experience in SoC and FPGA design (using e.g. VHDL)
- Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as uC/OS or FreeRTOS
- Experience writing embedded software within a multi-threaded/multi-processor environment
- Experience developing within Python

If the above sounds like you **apply** now

**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._

**FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY**: