Senior Network Software Engineer I -Secret Clearance
Long Beach, CA
About the role
<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p>
<p>Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.</p>
<div style="padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;"><iframe style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1028198769?h=22add6027e&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" width="" height=""></iframe></div></div><p></p>
<p><strong>SPACE SYSTEMS</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>SENIOR NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER I - SECRET CLEARANCE</strong></p>
<p>Rocket Lab is looking for a driven <strong>Senior Network Software Engineer I</strong> to be based out of our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab’s flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Head of Flight Software.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Manage the&nbsp;software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system</li>
<li>Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and&nbsp;maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones</li>
<li>Design and develop&nbsp;simulation and test approaches for constellation networking</li>
<li>Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams</li>
<li>Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program</li>
<li>Develop and&nbsp;maintain staffing plans with senior leadership</li>
<li>Plan major integration points and testing between teams</li>
<li>Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements</li>
<li>Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline</li>
<li>5+ years of relevant work industry experience</li>
<li>Comprehensive knowledge of network software.</li>
<li>Knowledge of the software development lifecycle</li>
<li>Experience using Jira for software development management</li>
<li>Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades,
requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management</li>
<li>Active Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain TS/SCI</li>
<li>U.S citizenship required due to program
NICE TO HAVE:</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline</li>
<li>Active TS/SCI security clearance</li>
<li>An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them.</li>
<li>Experience with SDA&nbsp;NEBULA architectures</li>
<li>Experience with Cyber Security controls</li>
<li>Experience with encryption</li>
<li>Experience leading a team&nbsp;utilizing agile methodologies</li>
<li>Project management
qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.</li>
<li>Ability to&nbsp;identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach</li>
<li>Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. \</li>
<li>Experience with Docker</li>
<li>Experience with Kubernetes</li>
<li>Experience with DevSecOps</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines</li>
<li>Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships</li>
</ul>
<p><em>This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.</em></p>
<p></p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p>Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,&nbsp;<strong>you'll receive company stock as part of your total
compensation package</strong>, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.</p>
<p>Our comprehensive
benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.</p>
<p>Additional
perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.</p>
<p>Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.</p></div><div class="title">Base Pay Range (CA Only)</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$130,000</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$198,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.&nbsp; </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Important information:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p>
<p><em>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 <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&amp;d=DwMFog&amp;c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&amp;r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&amp;m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&amp;s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&amp;e=">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>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,
compensation, and training.</em></p>
<p><em>Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected].</a>This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.</em></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p>
<p><em>For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.&nbsp; These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p><em>Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.&nbsp; For more information on these Regulations, click here <a class="fui-Link ___m14voj0 f3rmtva f1ern45e f1deefiw f1n71otn f1q5o8ev f1h8hb77 f1vxd6vx f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f9n3di6 f1ids18y fygtlnl f1deo86v f12x56k7 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f50u1b5 fs3pq8b f1hghxdh f1tymzes f1x7u7e9 f1cmlufx f10aw75t fsle3fq" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii" target="_blank">ITAR Regulations.</a></em></p></div>
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab delivers launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, and on-orbit operations. It operates rockets such as Electron for small-satellite orbital launches and develops a medium-lift vehicle called Neutron for larger payloads. The company offers a family of spacecraft buses (e.g., Photon, Pioneer, Lightning, Explorer) suitable for a variety of missions, from low-Earth orbit communications and remote sensing to deep-space research. It also supplies satellite subsystems (solar arrays, star trackers, radios, separation systems, etc.) and ground software and mission-operations support. Rocket Lab enables customers across commercial, civil, defense, and research sectors to deploy and operate satellites and spacecraft under one integrated provider.
