Head of Flight Software

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. 

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. 

HEAD OF FLIGHT SOFTWARE 

Rocket Lab is seeking a Head of Flight Software out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, to lead our flight software engineering teams in Long Beach, CA and Littleton, CO.  The Head of Flight Software will shape the flight software product and ecosystem that supports Rocket Lab’s space systems and missions. As a senior technical leader, you will drive strategic direction, architecture, product, and execution of flight software systems and operations while managing a high-performing team of engineers in CA and CO. You will collaborate cross-functionally with executive leadership, chief engineers, program management, related disciplines, and mission teams to ensure seamless integration of flight software. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Own the team responsible for architecture and development of flight software solutions across Rocket Lab Space Systems.
• Define, build, and maintain a flight software center of excellence
• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for flight software; ensuring scalability, security, and mission reliability.
• Establish and maintain technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques to optimize flight software integration.
• Drive efficiency and quality of work product from multi-disciplinary teams to develop industry leading flight software, simulation software, and test software.
• Partner with program and product management to align software capabilities with mission objectives, company goals, and customer needs.
• Drive innovation in flight software, ensuring adoption of modern technologies, automation, and testing practices.
• Drive key documentation, including interface specifications, CONOPS, and design frameworks.
• Conduct staffing resource analysis and allocation to build and maintain a properly sized organization with skill sets to satisfy program and market demands
• Participate in proposals and new business capture 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, aerospace, electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace software engineering, including embedded systems.
• 8+ years of leadership experience, managing teams and complex software programs.
• Ability to identify, develop plans, and solve complex large-scale problems with little oversight
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with competing prioriti