Senior Software Build Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar.

Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.

SENIOR SOFTWARE BUILD ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, the Senior Software Build Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our spacecraft flight software build environment. You will be working closely with the flight software engineering team to plan out and implement a continuous build system for a variety of missions.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Work closely with embedded software teams to develop and improve our TeamCity build pipelines
• You will work with cross-functional teams to integrate continuous build and testing into a broader CI/CT/CD framework
• Work closely with flight software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needs

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
• 5+ years of experience with software development
• Strong experience with Linux
• Strong experience with Docker
• Strong experience writing maintainable bash scripts
• Experience building C/C++ Applications
• Experience with embedded toolchains
• Experience with Git Submodules
• Experience with Python 3

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience writing a TeamCity Pipeline-as-Configuration library/framework
• Experience with embedded software including microcontrollers and/or Q7
• Experience with Gitlab/Jira Integration
• Experience with Yocto
• Experience with Make and/or CMake
• Experience with Bazel
• Experience with Robot Framework
• Experience using GCC with cross compilation
• Experience with a Code Quality tool like SonarQube or CppCheck
• Experience with dynamic analysis tools like ASan and Valgrind

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.  

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$120,000—$177,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the poten