Jobs at Rocket Lab

Leads software development and integration for spacecraft networking systems, including routers, radios, and laser communications. Manages subcontractors, development plans, staffing, KPIs, integration testing, simulation, and software standards. Coordinates internal and external engineering teams to meet program milestones and customer requirements while applying systems engineering and secure network software expertise.

Develop and test flight software for spacecraft using C/C++, RTOS, and embedded Linux. Build hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators, maintain unit tests in continuous integration, collaborate on hardware-in-the-loop validation, document requirements, participate in design and code reviews, and assist with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations.

Leads global compensation strategy and administration for corporate functions and M&A. Responsibilities include compensation architecture, market analysis, modeling, salary structures, surveys, total rewards planning, executive and broad-based compensation decisions, compliance support, leadership presentations, manager training, systems improvements, and compensation workstreams for mergers and acquisitions.

Own and evolve web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations. Architect scalable, reliable systems; translate mission needs into ground-system designs; deploy and optimize ground data systems; establish monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks; and provide technical direction to engineering teams and leadership. The role requires systems-level thinking, software architecture experience, and collaboration with flight software, mission operations, and systems engineering teams.

Own and evolve web-based ground software platforms supporting spacecraft operations. Design scalable ground systems, deploy and optimize ground data systems, establish monitoring and reliability frameworks, and provide technical direction on architecture, integration, security, and maintainability. Partner with flight software, mission operations, and systems engineering teams while advising leadership on software strategy and technical risks.

Architect and evolve web-based ground software platforms supporting spacecraft operations. The role partners with flight software, mission operations, and systems engineering teams to design scalable systems, deploy and optimize ground data systems, establish monitoring and reliability frameworks, and provide technical direction on mission resilience, architecture, and emerging technologies.

Designs, builds, deploys, and supports scalable data platforms, backend services, APIs, pipelines, storage systems, and automation tools for Rocket Lab’s operational data. The role partners with engineering, production, testing, and mission operations teams to improve data access, hardware validation, mission execution, and business performance. Responsibilities include end-to-end service ownership, architecture, development, deployment, and production support.

Writes and edits compliant, compelling technical proposals for federal government and commercial space-industry customers. Responsibilities include creating response templates, rewriting technical content, coordinating with technical subject matter experts, developing proposal sections, maintaining compliance matrices, incorporating review feedback, identifying risks, and improving proposal processes. The role requires managing multiple time-sensitive proposals while ensuring clarity, accuracy, readability, and compliance with RFP requirements.

Designs lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and spacecraft bus configurations from concept through production, testing, and operation. Responsibilities include CAD and drawings, FEA, design reviews, procedures, vendor and budget management, schedules, proposals, and mission concepts. The role supports high-value science, interplanetary, and customer spacecraft programs.

Develops and maintains spacecraft technical budgets, system requirements, verification methods, simulations, test plans, and data analysis. Leads technical development of spacecraft missions, supports program and product management, and creates interface specifications, CONOPS, and design documentation. The role works hands-on with flight hardware and supports satellite development, testing, and systems engineering processes for civil, commercial, and defense customers.

Develop and maintain spacecraft technical budgets, system requirements, verification methods, simulations, test plans, and data analysis. Lead technical development for spacecraft missions, support program and product management, and create interface specifications, CONOPS, and design documentation. The role involves hands-on flight hardware work and collaboration across civil, commercial, and defense space programs.

Designs, analyzes, documents, procures, and implements ground support equipment and production tooling for aerospace programs. Leads tooling projects from concept through fabrication and delivery, coordinates with programmers, machinists, welders, suppliers, and engineers, and drives manufacturable designs using requirements, GD&T, FEA, and manufacturing processes. Conducts design and readiness reviews, investigates corrective actions, and supports manufacturing engineering and production teams.

Design, analyze, document, procure, and implement ground support equipment and production tooling for aerospace programs. Lead tooling projects from concept through fabrication and delivery, coordinate with engineers, machinists, welders, suppliers, and shop personnel, and drive manufacturable designs using GD&T, FEA, and mechanical analysis. Conduct design and readiness reviews, investigate corrective actions, and support manufacturing engineering and production teams.

Creates branded graphics across digital, print, presentations, events, merchandise, mission campaigns, vehicle livery, and web content. Translates complex aerospace technology into accessible visual concepts, supports motion and social media assets, manages multiple projects, coordinates with vendors and stakeholders, maintains brand standards and asset libraries, and contributes to Rocket Lab’s evolving visual identity.

Designs, verifies, documents, and tests FPGA firmware for spacecraft avionics using Xilinx and Microchip FPGA and SoC devices. Responsibilities span firmware architecture, requirements definition, implementation, verification, module and system-level testing, and collaboration across engineering disciplines. The role supports civil, commercial, and defense satellite programs and may involve testing and operating systems on orbit.

Supports growth of Rocket Lab’s HASTE hypersonic test business through proposal development, opportunity tracking, market and competitive analysis, technical customer responses, forecasting, and business-case development. The role coordinates with Engineering, Production, Mission Management, and Communications on mission requirements, launch timelines, marketing materials, technical documentation, agreements, and CRM reporting. It requires an engineering degree, at least two years of relevant experience, U.S. citizenship, and eligibility for a security clearance.

Supports Rocket Lab’s HASTE business development efforts through proposal drafting, opportunity tracking, market and competitive analysis, technical customer responses, launch planning, and business case development. Collaborates with Engineering, Production, Mission Management, and Communications teams while maintaining technical documentation, Salesforce records, Jira tasks, and business development reporting. The role focuses on hypersonic flight testing, suborbital launch services, and national security markets.

Sources raw materials for aerospace launch vehicles, satellites, and components. Responsibilities include developing sourcing strategies, managing RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier selection and onboarding, negotiating contracts and pricing, analyzing spend and supplier capabilities, improving total cost of ownership, ensuring material delivery, maintaining supplier relationships, collaborating with Engineering and planners, and updating ERP purchase order data.

Manages software development, integration, testing, and delivery for spacecraft ground systems and communications infrastructure. Leads cross-functional engineering, supplier, and subcontractor teams; oversees requirements, interface control, verification planning, roadmaps, agile ceremonies, technical reviews, staffing, KPIs, and integration schedules. Requires spacecraft ground-systems experience, systems engineering expertise, secure networking knowledge, project management experience, and the ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance.

Develops and validates embedded flight software for spacecraft, including RTOS and embedded Linux applications, hardware drivers, unit tests, and hardware-in-the-loop integration. Collaborates with systems and embedded engineers on requirements, participates in code and design reviews, and supports on-orbit flight operations. The role requires proficiency in Rust, C++, and C, extensive embedded software experience, technical leadership, and the ability to obtain an active security clearance.