About the role
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 to 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. Rocket Lab is searching for a Team Lead - Data Engineering to take charge of the data tools, systems, and platforms that enable our launch vehicles, spacecraft, simulations, and ground systems. If you love solving complex engineering problems, building high-reliability software, and leading talented developers this is your next mission. Our software underpins everything: test and production systems, launch operations, research and development, automation, internal tools, and more. You’ll guide a team that shapes how engineers and operators access the information and functionality they need to build and launch world-class space systems. WHAT YOU'LL LEAD A high-performing team of software engineers End-to-end software development across infrastructure, storage, ingestion, and presentation of operational and engineering data Design, development, testing, and documentation of software used across launch operations, integrated systems testing, simulations, and ground systems Architecture, code quality, coding standards, and agile engineering practices Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, operations, and mission teams Continuous improvement, technical excellence, and a strong culture of ownership WHAT YOU'LL DELIVER Technical vision for the petabyte-scale operational data platform supporting the entire company In depth technical contributions supporting engineering, operations, and mission readiness Reliable, well-tested, well-documented software Smooth deployment, support, and user training Clear communication, prioritisation, and stakeholder alignment Effective team ceremonies: stand-ups, planning, retros, backlog shaping Strategic improvements to software capability and data handling across the business WHAT YOU'LL BRING Tertiary qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar 8+ years’ experience in software engineering Proven team leadership or mentoring experience (essential) Strong Python development skills Experience with data platform architecture and data management Experience with REST APIs, databases, Git, and modern software workflows Familiarity with Spark, Pandas/Numpy, ETL processes, or similar tools Excellent problem-solving skills and a collaborative, positive mindset NICE-TO-HAVE EXTRAS Agile/Scrum experience Data visualisation or analytics experience Kubernetes C#, Golang, or TypeScript Web, networked, or database application development UI development If you're driven by complex challenges, team leadership, and building software that directly supports rockets, spacecraft, and mission operations we want to meet you. WHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here . Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence,