Principal Software Engineer - TS/SCI

ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER – TS/SCI
Based out of our site in Littleton, Colorado, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Software Engineer to serve as the Chief Software Engineer for a major constellation program. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, reliable, and mission-critical software systems for space-based applications. With expertise in flight software, embedded systems, and ground software systems, you will collaborate with systems teams, software engineers, and stakeholders to ensure mission success. If you have a passion for aerospace and defense, hold an active TS/SCI clearance, and thrive in fast-paced environments, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security and space exploration.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Lead Software Architecture Design: Define and evolve the end-to-end software architecture for flight and ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and mission success.
Develop Flight Software: Design application software for spacecraft operating within Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, or embedded Linux, including hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators such as IMUs, Star Trackers, and Reaction Wheels.
Build Ground Software Systems: Architect and deploy web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations, integrating flight and ground systems to support diverse mission profiles.
Test and Validate Systems: Develop unit tests within a Continuous Integration (CI) framework and collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality.
Collaborate and Lead: Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams, act as a trusted advisor to leadership, and partner with stakeholders to align software systems with mission requirements.
Support On-Orbit Operations: Ensure software performance in harsh environments and contribute to mission-critical operations.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
12+ years of professional software development experience, including embedded systems and ground software.
Proven expertise in architecting scalable and reliable software systems for aerospace or defense applications.
Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development and python for testing.
Experience with both DIO and AIO (Digital and Analog Inputs and Outputs).
Experience with integrating hardware, including implementing ICDs, and debugging.
Experience with deriving the Flight Software architecture from the electrical design including reading a master ICD list and/or schematics.
Experience with RF ground to space communication.
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Active TS/SCI clearance is required
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability.
Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD, SpaceWire, and/or UDP/TCP protocols.
Experience leading teams and working with program management to plan out work and staffing.
Expertise in microservice architectures, distributed systems, and modern web frameworks such as FastAPI.
Full-stack development experience, including:
Backend: Golang, and/or Rust.
Frontend: Typescript and Angular.
Database: InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent.
Familiarity with CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD.
Experience designing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles.
Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration.
Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (e.g., OAuth).
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Base Pay Range (CO Only)
$150,000—$200,000 USD
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants f