Rocket Lab is seeking a Head of Flight Software to lead their flight software engineering teams and shape the flight software product and ecosystem that supports Rocket Lab's space systems and missions.
Requirements
- Expertise in embedded flight software development
- Expertise in C+ and Python
- Track record of successfully delivering mission-critical software for satellite and spacecraft operations
- Deep understanding of spacecraft subsystems, including ADCS, EPS, space-ground communications, and C&DH
- Experience with fault detection, isolation, and response
- Proficiency in STK, GMAT, or similar space mission analysis tools
- Experience with requirements management tools (JAMA, DOORS)
Responsibilities
- 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
Other
- 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 priorities
- Must be able to work in a technical and operational environment, including travel as required
- Ability to collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to drive mission success
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
- Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
- Must be physically able to commute to buildings
- Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise