Principal Network Software Engineer
Rocket Lab Corporation· Aerospace & Defense· Feb 10, 2026 · 9mo agoReposted 259 days ago
Long Beach, CA
In office
Full-time
Principal
$141K–$216K est.
12+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Re-promoted recently, but this role has been open since February 10, 2026 — 259 days, never closed.
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. SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
PRINCIPAL NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER - TS/SCI
Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Principal Network Software Engineer , to be based out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab’s flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Senior Director of Space Systems Software.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft.
Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system
Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones
Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking
Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams
Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program
Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership
Plan major integration points and testing between teams
Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements
Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline
12+ years of relevant work industry experience
3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors
Thorough understanding of network software
Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle
Experience using Jira for software development management
Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management
Active TS/SCI clearance
U.S citizenship required due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline
An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them.
Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures
Experience with Cyber Security controls
Experience with encryption
Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies
Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc.
Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach
Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.
Experience with Docker
Experience with Kubernetes
Experience with DevSecOps
Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $223,000 — $339,000 USD Base Salary $175,000 — $259,000 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.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave