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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer I to develop flight software for spacecraft and space systems. You will work on real hardware that launches to orbit within weeks to months, not years, thanks to Rocket Lab's vertically integrated launch capabilities.
In this role, you will develop application software for Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux environments. You'll create hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators including Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), star trackers, and reaction wheels. Your responsibilities include writing comprehensive unit tests within continuous integration frameworks, collaborating with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality, and working with systems engineers to develop and validate requirements.
You will participate in design reviews (PDR/CDR), conduct code reviews to ensure compliance with company coding standards, and assist with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations. This is a hands-on role where your software directly impacts space exploration missions.
Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical field. You must have 5+ years of demonstrated embedded software development experience, proficiency in C and C++, and experience with RTOS or embedded Linux. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements, and you must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Desirable qualifications include an active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance, an advanced degree, experience with CAN/CAN-FD and UDP/TCP protocols in embedded systems, and experience developing software for autonomous vehicles in harsh environments such as satellites.
