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Salary: USD 85,000 - 100,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Flight Software Engineer I to join the Space Systems team in Littleton, CO. You will develop flight software for spacecraft, payloads, and subsystems that operate in space. The role involves the full software development lifecycle—from requirements definition through coding, testing, and on-orbit operations. A key differentiator: your software will be deployed to orbit within weeks or months, not years, thanks to Rocket Lab's owned rockets and launch infrastructure.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop application software for Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux environments
- Create hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators (IMUs, star trackers, reaction wheels, etc.)
- Write and maintain comprehensive unit tests within a continuous integration framework
- Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality
- Work with systems and embedded systems engineers on requirements development, documentation, and validation
- Participate in code reviews to ensure compliance with company coding standards
- Attend design reviews (PDR, CDR)
- Support on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations
The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives. You'll work on missions to the Moon and Mars in partnership with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical discipline
- Hands-on experience in embedded software development
- Proficiency in C and C++ programming languages
- Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux
- U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR program requirements
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance
- Experience with Rust language
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD)
- Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP in embedded systems
- Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles in harsh environments (satellites, autonomous systems)
