serp_jobs.error_messages.no_longer_accepting

Principal Ground Software Engineer

Rocket Lab USALittleton, CO, US

job_description.job_card.1_day_ago

serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type

serp_jobs.job_card.full_time

job_description.job_card.job_description

Principal Ground Software Engineer

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 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.

Principal Ground Software Engineer

As a Principal Ground Software Engineer based at Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible, with deliverables that support internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

What You'll Get To Do :

Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Lab's web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations.
Partner with flight software developers, mission operations personnel, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs.
Deploy, configure, and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles.
Establish robust monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues.
Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience, system integration, and long-term maintainability.
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy, risk areas, and emerging technologies.

You'll Bring These Qualifications :

U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline

12+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development

Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale

Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have :

Full-stack development experience, including : Backend Python, Golang, and / or Rust; Frontend Typescript and Angular; Database InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent

Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright

Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground / mission operations

Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent)

Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems

Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams

Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs

Familiarity with database architecture, schema design, and optimization

Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI / CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration

Understanding of modern authentication / authorization frameworks (OAuth, etc.)

Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD

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 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

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) : $180,000 - $245,000 USD

serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

Principal Software Engineer • Littleton, CO, US