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Rocket Lab is seeking a Software Engineer, Manager to lead a small technical team at the Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA. This role combines hands-on software engineering with front-line people management, focusing on the in-house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform and tools that integrate with the ERP system.
You will operate across the full stack—frontend, backend, database administration, UI/UX design, DevOps, and SRE—while managing a team working on MES projects. Key responsibilities include developing world-class software using best practices (automated testing, code reviews, Agile methodologies), reviewing and approving code and architecture designs, defining product roadmaps, and managing epics and releases. You'll lead scrum activities, conduct trade studies with stakeholders, facilitate meetings, and oversee deployment and operational support.
On the people side, you'll recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conduct performance reviews, define roles and responsibilities, provide feedback, and foster team motivation and growth. You'll also plan workloads, allocate resources, and coordinate strategic activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations.
The role emphasizes full-stack expertise in technologies including HTML/CSS, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.Net, and Linux. Nice-to-have skills include UI development, database application development, RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, Elasticsearch, and aerospace domain familiarity.
Rocket Lab builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems for space missions. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force, working on projects ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives.
