Principal Flight Software Engineer

Job overview

Compensation is $160,000–$245,000 per year. The Principal Flight Software Engineer role is onsite in Los Angeles, CA, based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. in the listing’s structured pay fields; the description states a base salary range of $160,000–$245,000 and total compensation of $210,000–$324,000. The role supports Rocket Lab’s Space Systems programs and space missions. The engineer leads and contributes to flight software design and development from requirements through coding and testing. The work supports spacecraft software, hardware interfaces, verification, and on-orbit operations, advancing the team’s spacecraft and mission objectives.

What you'll do

• Develop application software for real-time operating systems and/or embedded Linux
• develop hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators
• maintain unit tests in continuous integration
• collaborate on hardware-in-the-loop verification
• develop and validate requirements with engineering teams
• review code and participate in design reviews
• assist with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

full-time

principal flight software engineer

space systems

embedded software

flight software

rust

c++

real-time operating systems

los angeles ca

$160k–$245k base salary

employee stock purchase program

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Company stock, Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount, medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) match, and additional employee discounts.

Why this role

The role requires 12+ years of embedded software experience, proficiency in Rust, C++, and C, and U.S. citizenship due to program requirements; an active security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one is required.

About the employer

Rocket Lab Corporation is hiring for this role. Industry: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Sector: 54.