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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer II 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, creating hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators (IMUs, star trackers, reaction wheels), and writing comprehensive unit tests within continuous integration frameworks. You'll collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers, systems engineers, and embedded systems engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality. Responsibilities include participating in design reviews (PDR, CDR), code reviews to ensure compliance with company standards, and assisting 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, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. The company operates its own rockets and launch sites, enabling frequent opportunities to test and validate software on orbit within weeks to months rather than years. This is a hands-on role where your software directly impacts space exploration and discovery missions.
