Senior Software Engineer - Operations Software

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Auckland, NZ

On-site

Posted March 9, 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.

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER – OPERATIONS SOFTWARE

As a Senior Software Engineer – Operations Software based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland New Zealand, you will have the opportunity create, maintain, deploy and support components, functions or services in launch vehicles and spacecraft operations. In this role you will have scope to perform independent engineering as allocated and have product ownership. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Acquisition, ingestion and storage of telemetry from:
- Launch Operations
- Spacecraft Operations
- Integrated Systems Testing
- Operational Simulations
- Sub-System Testing
Design and implement software, tests, and architecture based on feature requests and bug fixes.
Create operational documentation for software products.
Manage and review source code using version control tools and establish code review standards.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar.
Minimum of 5+ years’ experience within a related field
Experience with Git
Experience with one of: Redmine, Jira, or other issue tracker
Golang Development
High-performance systems & scalability

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: