Software Engineer II - Production Automation
Rocket Lab Corporation· Aerospace & Defense· Oct 21, 2026 · 7d ago
Long Beach, CA
In office
Full-time
Mid
$115K–$166K est.
4+ years exp
Job description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SOFTWARE ENGINEER II - PRODUCTION AUTOMATION
Based onsite at our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Software Engineer will join the Production Automation team where you will work with a supportive, international team of software developers with diverse engineering backgrounds. A typical day consists of collaborating with avionics and manufacturing engineers to develop, improve and support software-applications to functionally test spacecraft-components and systems for our launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron) and Space-System programs. You will work closely with our stakeholders during both the development phase of new components and when those components move to a production line. Our team is involved in the test rig bring-up process and rig maintenance and assists the engineering teams with evaluating test result data.
We're after developers willing to take on new challenges. Even if you don't have our tech stack fully covered, we'd still want to hear from you!
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Develop, improve, and support software applications for production automation, including avionics production acceptance testing, vehicle component acceptance testing, and vehicle integrated systems testing.
Integrate computerized production systems and support software applications within a production environment.
Develop software and unit tests according to bug-fix and feature requests.
Create and maintain documentation for the operation of software products.
Participate in code reviews and facilitate software architecture meetings.
Document software architecture designs and refine product backlog items.
Facilitate and participate in agile activities (e.g., stand-ups, retrospectives) and keep tickets up-to-date.
Actively interact with stakeholders to investigate issues, understand requirements, and drive solutions.
Deploy operational software and ensure adherence to business processes.
Take ownership of tasks and projects, delivering results and driving solutions.
Support cross-functional teams and proactively acquire necessary knowledge to assist other groups.
Domestic and international travel may be required.
Perform additional duties as reasonably required.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software/Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering (4+ years of work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).
2+ years of experience within a software engineering related discipline.
Experience working with source control and issue trackers (e.g., git, jira, redmine).
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Experience with Python, C++, or similar programming languages.
Experience working in a Linux development environment.
Experience working with different interfaces/protocols (e.g., TCP/UDP, serial, CAN).
Experience with embedded systems and basic electronics.
UI/UX development experience.
Experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Experience using Qt or PyQt.
Ability to apply and identify engineering and industry concepts and theories.
Able to research and provide solutions to engineering challenges.
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. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $102,400 — $128,000 USD WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .
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.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR 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, click here ITAR Regulations.
Application prep
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Keywords to mirror
agilejirapython
- Platform
- greenhouse
- Effort
- quick
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave