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Salary: USD 141,800 - 180,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead, Operations Software to join its IT team in Long Beach, CA (or Auckland, NZ). This role reports to the Manager, Operations Software and leads a team of up to 8 engineers responsible for architecting, developing, and supporting software systems that configure, command, and monitor launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron), spacecraft, and ground systems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the architecture, implementation, and maintenance of software supporting testing and mission operations for launch vehicles and spacecraft
- Provide vision, technical direction, and project coordination to a high-performing software team
- Take ownership of team contributions, focusing on business priorities and managing technical and schedule risks
- Actively engage with business stakeholders to define, collect, and review requirements and manage deliverables
- Develop and refine software architecture designs and product backlog items
- Facilitate agile software development practices, including code reviews and development of code review standards
- Create documentation for developers and end-users
- Demonstrate innovation and keep Rocket Lab at the leading edge of technology
- Coach and mentor team members in best practices for technical systems and project planning
- Identify and implement opportunities for team improvement
- Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The IT team supports how global teams access information and run operations across computer systems, networks, and devices, from finance to launch operations.
Compensation includes competitive base pay, company stock as part of total compensation, industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and various other employee discounts.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- 5+ years of experience and Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
- Experience with Git
- Experience with Jira or other issue tracking systems
- Proficiency in a statically typed language such as Go, C#, or C++
- Experience in user interface development
Nice to have:
- Experience with network protocols (UDP / TCP / gRPC / CCSDS)
- High-performance systems and scalability
- Experience with Linux containers, cloud application development, and Kubernetes
- Familiarity with CI/CD systems
- Knowledge of human factors engineering
- Experience with Typescript development
- Experience with Scrum or Kanban methodologies
Note: For US offices, candidates must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the US Department of State/Commerce due to ITAR regulations. For New Zealand offices, candidates must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or NATO countries.
