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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 participate in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding, testing, and on-orbit operations. The role involves developing application software for Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux environments, creating hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators (IMUs, star trackers, reaction wheels), and writing comprehensive unit tests within continuous integration frameworks.
Key responsibilities include collaborating with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality, working with systems and embedded systems engineers on requirements development and validation, participating in code reviews to ensure adherence to coding standards, and attending design reviews (PDR, CDR). You will also assist with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations. Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives, with spacecraft and components deployed to the Moon and Mars.
Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent; active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI; 5+ years of embedded software development experience; proficiency in C and C++; experience with RTOS or embedded Linux; and U.S. citizenship. Nice-to-have qualifications include active TS/SCI clearance, advanced degree, experience with CAN/CAN-FD and UDP/TCP in embedded systems, and experience developing software for autonomous vehicles in harsh environments.
