Principal Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Based out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Software Engineer / Senior 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. (Please note: this position can be hired at the Principal Software Engineer or Senior Principal Software Engineer level.)

• 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.

• 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 required, due to program requirements.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ 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 required, due to program requirements.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

• 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).

• 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.

$180,000 – $255,000 USD

• Company equity
• Medical HMO and PPO plans with 100% company‑sponsored HSA option
• Dental and vision coverage
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• On‑site gym, food, and drinks

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.

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, 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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson 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.