Software Engineer, Lead

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, LEAD

Based out of Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA the Software Engineer, Lead will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full-stack software solutions that enhance the improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the in-house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform as well as tools that integrate with the ERP system and related products. These applications rely heavily on relational databases and REST APIs, both upstream and downstream, as part of service-oriented architecture.

Provide front line management for a small technical team working on MES projects and work with team management to coordinate strategic activities.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in areas such as frontend or backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, DevOps, Or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)

Develop world-class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit -integration, and end-to-end) code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira

Review and approve code, merge requests, architecture designs, and software requirements

Define product roadmaps, refine backlogs, and manage epics, features, and releases

Lead and manage scrum activities, metrics, and agile workflows

Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders to gather and refine system requirements

Facilitate stakeholder meetings, deliver training sessions, and provide ongoing support for deployed products

Plan and schedule releases aligned with business goals and timelines

Oversee deployment and operational support of software, ensuring high-quality deliverables

Implement machine-to-machine services and create intuitive web-based user interfaces

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver value to stakeholders

Provide vision, leadership, and project coordination for the MES team

Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet project deadlines and objectives

Recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering growth

Define roles and responsibilities, provide timely feedback, and ensure team motivation and efficiency

Facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for team members

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience

5+ years of professional software development experience

Proven experience in team leadership

Excellent problem-solving and project management skills

Technical expertise in HTML/CSS, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, or similar frameworks

Proficiency with SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.Net development

Experience with Linux as a development environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Experience with User Interface development

Database app…