Principal Embedded Software Engineer
Rocket Lab · Tucson, AZ
About this role
**Principal Embedded Software Engineer** **About Rocket Lab** Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expanding humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. **Space Systems (Division Overview)** Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the components/subsystems that help them thrive in space—such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The division has enabled more than 1,700 missions across interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security/defense initiatives. **Role Summary** As a **Principal Embedded Software Engineer** for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in **Tucson, AZ**, you will design **flight software** in support of spacecraft for **Tranche 3** of the U.S. Space Development Agency’s **Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture**. **What you’ll get to do** - Support development of **payload flight software** for Space Systems programs. - Deploy **novel algorithms** in austere, **SWaP-constrained** sensor environments. - Lead cross-functional teams to define **technical requirements** and deliver **integrated solutions**. - Provide technical leadership across software design and development: requirements → implementation → testing → deployment. - Define and influence **software architecture**, design patterns, interfaces, and technical standards for scalable, maintainable, extensible solutions. - Drive core software fundamentals of **performance-oriented programming**, leveraging accelerator technologies. - Mentor engineers across experience levels; provide technical guidance and foster continuous improvement. - Support technical planning, effort estimation, risk identification, dependency management, and milestone delivery; communicate status/risks to stakeholders. - Join a team tackling challenging projects and delivering on ambitious space missions. **You’ll bring these qualifications** - Bachelor’s degree in **computer science** or **computer engineering**. - **12+ years** of experience in embedded software engineering. - Experience designing complex **multithreaded applications**. - Experience designing **flight software**. - Ability to obtain and maintain a **U.S. Government security clearance**. **These qualifications would be nice to have** - Familiarity with **high-performance** and **parallel processing**. - Exposure to novel architectures (e.g., **FPGA**, **CUDA**). - Familiarity with **flight software system management**. - Experience with **algorithm implementation**. - Exposure to **Python** and **MATLAB** (highly desired). - Familiarity with **numerical computing** principles. *Note: This position may require prolonged periods of sitting/standing/walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.* **Important information (US/ITAR & EEO)** - For U.S. office roles, Rocket Lab employees must meet ITAR-related eligibility requirements (e.g., U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, asylum/refugee status, or eligibility to obtain required authorizations). - Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination/harassment. - Applicants needing a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process in the U.S. should contact **Giulia Johnson** at **g.biow@rocketlabusa.com**. **New Zealand offic
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