Lead, Operations Software

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise designing rockets, spacecraft, and essential subsystems that enable global connectivity, security, and the expansion of human presence on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. With a focus on rapid development and impactful missions, Rocket Lab pioneers the norm in space technology.

Role Overview

The Lead, Operations Software, located onsite at either Auckland, New Zealand or Long Beach, California, leads a team of up to eight engineers. Reporting to the Manager of Operations Software, you will be responsible for architecting, developing, and maintaining software systems that configure, command, and oversee launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron), spacecraft, and ground infrastructure. Collaboration across various stakeholders is essential to ensure the software tools are effective and user-friendly.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and upkeep of software supporting launch vehicle and spacecraft testing and mission operations.
• Provide vision, technical leadership, and manage project coordination for a high-performing software engineering team.
• Oversee your team’s contributions with a focus on aligning with business priorities, managing technical challenges, and scheduling risks.
• Engage actively with business stakeholders to gather, define, and review requirements and manage deliverables.
• Develop and improve software architecture and maintain product backlogs.
• Participate in and lead agile practices including code reviews and establishing code quality standards.
• Document software products for both developers and end-users.
• Innovate by staying abreast of leading-edge technologies to keep Rocket Lab at the forefront of technical progress.
• Mentor and coach team members in technical best practices and project planning methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to enhance team processes and technology.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety standards, use of personal protective equipment, and timely reporting of incidents or near misses.
• Perform additional reasonable duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of professional experience plus a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with version control systems, specifically Git.
• Experience using Jira or similar issue tracking and project management tools.
• Strong skills in statically typed programming languages such as Go, C#, or C++.
• Experience in developing user interfaces.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with network protocols including UDP, TCP, gRPC, and CCSDS.
• Experience with building high-performance, scalable systems.
• Knowledge of Linux containers, cloud-native application development, and Kubernetes orchestration.
• Exposure to Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) methodologies.
• Understanding of human factors engineering principles.
• Experience in TypeScript development.
• Working knowledge of agile frameworks such as Scrum or Kanban.

Working Conditions and Additional Information

This role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and extensive computer work. Occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production environments may occur.

Organization Culture and Expectations

Rocket Lab is driven by a mission to unlock space's potential to better life on Earth. Success demands determination, innovation, teamwork, and grit. The culture emphasizes mutual support, humility, and readiness to tackle tasks of all sizes. The team thrives under pressure with a focus on delivering outcomes rather than obstacles.

Important Compliance Information

For U.S. Office Applicants: Compliance with U.S. Government export laws, including ITAR, requires employees to be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to work under applicable government regulations.

For New Zealand Office Applicants: Candidates must undergo background and nationality checks due to ITAR restrictions. Eligibility for this role requires citizenship of approved countries such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU member states, or NATO members.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab commits to a discrimination-free workplace, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any protected status.