Principal Software Engineer - TS/SCI

Rocket Lab USA

  • Long Beach, California
  • 30+ days ago
  • $170,000–$260,000 Per Year
  • Full-time

Highlights

Develop Flight Software: Design application software for spacecraft operating within Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, or embedded Linux, including hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators such as IMUs, Star Trackers, and Reaction Wheels. Test and Validate Systems: Develop unit tests within a Continuous Integration (CI) framework and collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality.

Numbers & Facts

LocationLong Beach, California
Job TypeFull-time
Salary$170,000–$260,000 Per Year

Description

Principal Software Engineer - TS/SCI

Based out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Software Engineer to serve as the Chief Software Engineer for a major constellation program. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, reliable, and mission-critical software systems for space-based applications. With expertise in flight software, embedded systems, and ground software systems, you will collaborate with systems teams, software engineers, and stakeholders to ensure mission success. If you have a passion for aerospace and defense, hold an active TS/SCI clearance, and thrive in fast-paced environments, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security and space exploration.

What You'll Get To Do:

  • Lead Software Architecture Design: Define and evolve the end-to-end software architecture for flight and ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and mission success.
  • Develop Flight Software: Design application software for spacecraft operating within Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, or embedded Linux, including hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators such as IMUs, Star Trackers, and Reaction Wheels.
  • Build Ground Software Systems: Architect and deploy web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations, integrating flight and ground systems to support diverse mission profiles.
  • Test and Validate Systems: Develop unit tests within a Continuous Integration (CI) framework and collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality.
  • Collaborate and Lead: Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams, act as a trusted advisor to leadership, and partner with stakeholders to align software systems with mission requirements.
  • Support On-Orbit Operations: Ensure software performance in harsh environments and contribute to mission-critical operations.

Qualifications You'll Bring As Principal Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
  • 12+ years of professional software development experience, including embedded systems and ground software.
  • Proven expertise in architecting scalable and reliable software systems for aerospace or defense applications.
  • Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded software development and python for testing.
  • Experience with both DIO and AIO (Digital and Analog Inputs and Outputs).
  • Experience with integrating hardware, including implementing ICDs, and debugging.
  • Experience with deriving the Flight Software architecture from the electrical design including reading a master ICD list and/or schematics.
  • Experience with RF ground to space communication.
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
  • Active TS/SCI clearance is required

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.

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