Lead, Operations Software
Rocket Lab Corporation· enterprise· Aerospace & Defense· Oct 8, 2026 · 19d ago
Long Beach, CA
In office
Full-time
Lead
$130K–$203K est.
5+ 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. IT
Rocket Lab’s IT team is responsible for how our global teams access information and run operations across our computer systems, networks, and devices. Our hardworking IT team is a group of flexible problem-solvers working in a fast-paced environment but who also thrive under the challenge of supporting all of our proprietary systems and people, from finance to launch operations.
LEAD, OPERATIONS SOFTWARE
Based onsite at either our Long Beach, CA or Auckland, NZ facilities, the Lead, Operations Software reports to the Manager, Operations Software and leads a team of up to 8 engineers. You will architect, develop, and support software systems that configure, command, and monitor launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron), spacecraft, and ground systems. You will collaborate with stakeholder groups across Rocket Lab to ensure the tools we develop are fit for purpose and intuitive to use.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Lead the architecture, implementation, and maintenance of software to support testing and mission operations for launch vehicles and spacecraft.
Provide vision, leadership, technical direction, and project coordination to a high-performing software team.
Take ownership of your team’s contributions, focusing on the right business priorities and managing technical and schedule risks.
Actively engage with business stakeholders to define, collect, and review requirements, and manage deliverables.
Develop and refine software architecture designs and product backlog items.
Facilitate and participate in agile software development practices, including code reviews and the development of code review standards.
Create documentation for developers and end-users on software products.
Demonstrate innovation in technical fields, keeping Rocket Lab at the leading edge of technology.
Coach and mentor team members in best practices for technical systems and project planning.
Identify and implement opportunities for improvement within the team.
Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed, including correct PPE usage and prompt reporting of incidents or near misses.
Perform other duties as reasonably required.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
5+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
Experience with Git.
Experience with Jira or other issue tracking systems.
Proficiency in a statically typed language such as Go, C#, or C++.
Experience in user interface development.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Experience with network protocols (UDP / TCP / gRPC / CCSDS).
High-performance systems and scalability.
Experience with Linux containers, cloud application development, and Kubernetes.
Familiarity with CI/CD systems.
Knowledge of human factors engineering.
Experience with Typescript development.
Experience with Scrum or Kanban methodologies.
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) $141,800 — $180,000 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
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
Keywords to mirror
agilejiragokubernetesci/cdtypescriptscrum
- Platform
- greenhouse
- Effort
- quick
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave