Senior Software Engineer

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.As a Senior Software Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will design flight software in support of spacecraft for Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:Play a key role supporting the development of payload flight software for our Space Systems programsFocus on deployment of novel algorithms into austere environments on Size/Weight/Power constrained sensor systemsParticipate in all aspects of software design and development starting with requirements generation and following through implementation, testing, deploymentDrive core software fundamentals of performance-oriented programming leveraging a variety of accelerator technologiesBe part of a team of driven pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of spaceYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering,8+ years of experience in embedded software engineering experienceExperience in designing complex multithreaded applicationExperience designing flight softwareAbility to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government security clearanceTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Familiarity with high-performance and parallel processingExposure to novel architectures including FPGA, CUDA, etc.Familiarity with flight software system managementExperience with algorithm implementationExposure to Python and MATLAB is highly desiredFamiliarity with numerical computing principlesThis 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.