ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar.

Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.  

GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER - FRONT END (LEVEL II/ SENIOR)

Based out of Rocket Lab’s ASI site in Littleton, Colorado, the Ground Software Engineer - Front End is responsible for developing cutting-edge spacecraft ground software for our various Space Systems missions, and for providing ground system development and support for internal and external customers. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

(Please note: this position can be hired as a Ground Software Engineer II - Front End OR as a Senior Ground Software Engineer - Front End)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

  • Develop and evolve web-based software architecture for spacecraft operations
  • Work closely with flight software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needs
  • Work across multiple teams to help drive the front end development efforts across web applications
  • Lead the UI/UX development for Rocket Lab’s Ground Data System

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER II - FRONT END:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
  • 2+ years of software development experience
  • 2+ years of relevant work experience developing in a modern JavaScript framework (Angular preferred)
  • Ability to write clear, well-tested, and well-documented software

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER - FRONT END:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
  • 5+ years of software development experience
  • 5+ years of relevant work experience developing in a modern JavaScript framework (Angular preferred)
  • Ability to write clear, well-tested, and well-documented software

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
  • Experience with Typescript
  • Experience leading complete system development efforts with a team
  • Experience with module federation of micro front ends
  • Experience with front end state management systems (NgRx, Redux etc.)
  • Experience with a front end testing framework (Jasmin, Karma, Cypress)
  • Experience with Git or other version control systems
  • Experience with OAuth authentication flows
  • Experience with REST and WebSockets
  • Experience building and maintaining component libraries used across teams
  • Experience and understanding of material design concepts

 

Pay Range:

Ground Software Engineer II: $90,000-$135,000

Senior Ground Software Engineer: $105,000-$175,000

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. 

In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation package based on individual qualifications and experience, which may include cash or equity incentives. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

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 for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

 

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

 

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