Rocket Lab Logo

Rocket Lab

Senior Software Engineer II – Data Engineering

Posted 17 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Long Beach, CA
150K-200K Annually
Senior level
Long Beach, CA
150K-200K Annually
Senior level
The Senior Software Engineer II will design and develop scalable data services and pipelines, collaborating across teams to deliver solutions for operational data.
The summary above was generated by AI

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!

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II - DATA ENGINEERING

At Rocket Lab, we believe in leveraging data to drive innovation across all facets of our operations, manufacturing, and R&D. The Operational Data team is a key part of that mission, building powerful tools and services that bridge data collection and its exploitation to ensure every team can extract maximum value from our data. We’re seeking a Senior Software Engineer to help us shape the future of data-driven operations.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Software Engineer - Data Engineering will play a crucial role in designing, building, and scaling core data services that power Rocket Lab’s operations. You’ll collaborate with engineers and stakeholders across the company to develop robust, scalable solutions that transform complex data into actionable insights. From data processing to service deployment, you’ll be at the heart of our data infrastructure.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Work with cross-functional teams across multiple time zones to develop and deploy critical Operational Data services
  • Collaborate closely with engineers, data scientists, and product stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver impactful solutions
  • Build, scale, and optimize data pipelines, APIs, and services to support diverse business needs
  • Leverage your expertise in backend development to drive efficiency and automation across the company

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: To thrive in this role, you’ll bring strong backend software engineering experience, a solid grasp of data pipelines, and a passion for building scalable, reliable systems. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • At least 8 years of professional experience in software engineering or a related discipline
  • Expertise in Python development and a deep understanding of backend architecture
  • Experience deploying services at scale, and familiarity with CI/CD and containerization
  • Strong Git skills for version control and collaboration
  • Proficiency with common data analysis libraries/tools (e.g., Pandas, Numpy), and building ETL pipelines
  • Experience with Kubernetes or similar orchestration tools for managing containerized applications
  • Hands-on experience designing and developing REST APIs
  • Familiarity with issue tracking tools like Jira or Redmine

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Experience in data visualization, data science and numerical analysis techniques
  • Familiarity with agile development practices
  • Database knowledge (SQL)
  • Experience with web and user interface development

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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$150,000$200,000 USD


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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] 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.


Top Skills

Ci/Cd
Git
JIRA
Kubernetes
Numpy
Pandas
Python
Rest Apis
SQL
HQ

Rocket Lab Long Beach, California, USA Office

3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, CA, United States, 90808

Similar Jobs

2 Hours Ago
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
142K-213K Annually
Mid level
142K-213K Annually
Mid level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Robotics • Security • Software • Defense
Responsible for aerodynamic analysis of unmanned air vehicles, applying ML concepts, developing data science tools, and robust aerodynamic databases.
Top Skills: CC++FortranKerasMatlabPythonPyTorchTensorFlow
2 Hours Ago
Easy Apply
Hybrid
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Easy Apply
Mid level
Mid level
Cloud • Mobile • Software
Implement and enhance AI/ML features in our platform, build and deploy machine learning models, and collaborate with multiple teams to deliver software solutions.
Top Skills: ApolloAws SagemakerGraphQLJavaScriptMlflowNode.jsPythonPyTorchReactRestTensorFlowWandb.Ai
2 Hours Ago
Easy Apply
Hybrid
Irvine, CA, USA
Easy Apply
Senior level
Senior level
Agency • Angel or VC Firm • Co-Working Space or Incubator • Digital Media • Enterprise Web • Software • Consulting
The Salesforce Technical Architect will design and implement Salesforce solutions, collaborate with stakeholders, and manage Salesforce configurations and administration tasks for a luxury automotive company.
Top Skills: ApexFlowsGitLightning Web ComponentsSalesforceSalesforce Dx

What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene

Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.

Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account