Software Engineer, Lead

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, LEAD

Based out of Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA the Software Engineer, Lead will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full-stack software solutions that enhance the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the in‑house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform as well as tools that integrate with the ERP system and related products. These applications rely heavily on relational databases and REST APIs, both upstream and downstream, as part of service‑oriented architecture.

Provide front line management for a small technical team working on MES projects and work with team management to coordinate strategic activities.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in areas such as frontend or backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, DevOps, or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)
• Develop world‑class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit, integration, and end‑to‑end) code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira
• Review and approve code, merge requests, architecture designs, and software requirements
• Define product roadmaps, refine backlogs, and manage epics, features, and releases
• Lead and manage scrum activities, metrics, and agile workflows
• Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders to gather and refine system requirements
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, deliver training sessions, and provide ongoing support for deployed products
• Plan and schedule releases aligned with business goals and timelines
• Oversee deployment and operational support of software, ensuring high‑quality deliverables
• Implement machine‑to‑machine services and create intuitive web‑based user interfaces
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver value to stakeholders
• Provide vision, leadership, and project coordination for the MES team
• Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering growth
• Define roles and responsibilities, provide timely feedback, and ensure team motivation and efficiency
• Facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for team members

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Proven experience in team leadership
• Excellent problem‑solving and project management skills
• Technical expertise in HTML/CSS, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, or similar frameworks
• Proficiency with SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.Net development
• Experience with Linux as a development environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with User Interface development
• Database application development
• Experience with tools and technologies such as RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch
• Familiarity with aerospace industry domains, including Launch Operations, Enterprise Resource Planning, Quality Management Systems, Product Life Cycle Management
• Program management experience

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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$142,000 — $189,000 USD

Benefits and Compensation

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package, including:

• Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, and a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option
• Dental and vision coverage
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Other perks include:

• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym, food, and drinks
• Other discounts

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status; please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Equal Employment Opportunity and ITAR Compliance

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.

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, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Learn more about ITAR.

Candidates Seeking to Work in U.S. Offices Only

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected].

Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices Only

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. 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. 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. For more information on these regulations, see ITAR Regulations.