Software Engineer I - Production Automation

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Auckland, NZ

On-site

Posted March 5, 2026

Job Description

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 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.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

As part of the Production Automation team you will work with a supportive, international team of software developers with diverse engineering backgrounds. A typical day consists of collaborating with avionics and manufacturing engineers to develop, improve and support software-applications to functionally test spacecraft-components and systems for our launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron) and Space-System programs. You will work closely with our stakeholders during both the development phase of new components and when those components move to a production line. Our team is involved in the test rig bring-up process and rig maintenance and assists the engineering teams with evaluating test result data.

We're after developers willing to take on new challenges. Even if you don't have our tech stack fully covered, we'd still want to hear from you!

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Tertiary Diploma, Certificate or degree in Software-/Electrical-/Mechatronics-Engineering, Computer Science or demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge
Minimum of 1 year experience within a software engineering related discipline.
Experience working with source control and issue trackers (e.g. git, jira, redmine)
Proven ability to adapt and learn new skills
Proficient in English

DESIRABLE SKILLS:

Experience with Python, C++ or similar
Comfortable working in a Linux development environment
Experience working with different interfaces/protocols (e.g. TCP/UDP, serial, CAN)