Rocket Lab · 2 weeks ago
Head of Flight Software
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$175K/yr - $250K/yr
12+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Head of Flight Software will lead the flight software engineering teams, drive the strategic direction and execution of flight software systems, and ensure seamless integration with mission objectives.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
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
Drive key documentation, including interface specifications, CONOPS, and design frameworks
Conduct staffing resource analysis and allocation to build and maintain a properly sized organization with skill sets to satisfy program and market demands
Participate in proposals and new business capture
Qualification
Required
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
Expertise in embedded flight software development
Expertise in C+ and Python
Track record of successfully delivering mission-critical software for satellite and spacecraft operations
Preferred
PhD or advanced degree in a related technical field
Excellent verbal and written communication
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)
Experience with MBSE and process automation
Experience with AI/ML
Experience with operations procedure development, management, and execution
Hands-on experience with satellite operations, subsystem testing, and HITL validation
Benefits
Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 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
Discounted employee stock purchase program
Subsidized EV charging stations
Onsite gym
Food and drinks
Other discounts
Company
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.98BKey Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M
Leadership Team
Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
2026-01-16
2026-01-16
Company data provided by crunchbase