Principal Embedded Software Engineer
Leads embedded flight-software development at Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, designing payload flight software for Space Development Agency spacecraft (Tranche 3 PWSA) and deploying algorithms on size/weight/power-constrained sensor systems. Core tech: multithreaded embedded software, accelerators like FPGA and CUDA, plus Python and MATLAB.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Tucson, AZ
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 12+ years
- Category
- Embedded
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering
- 12+ years of embedded software engineering experience
- Experience designing complex multithreaded applications
- Experience designing flight software
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
- ITAR eligibility: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee/asylee, or eligible for required authorizations
Nice to have
- Familiarity with high-performance and parallel processing
- Exposure to novel architectures including FPGA, CUDA, etc.
- Familiarity with flight software system management
- Experience with algorithm implementation
- Exposure to Python and MATLAB
- Familiarity with numerical computing principles
Full 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
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.
The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
PRINCIPAL EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
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:
- Play a key role supporting the development of payload flight software for our Space Systems programs.
- Focus on deployment of novel algorithms into austere environments on Size/Weight/Power constrained sensor systems.
- Lead cross-functional teams to define technical requirements and deliver integrated solutions.
- Provide technical leadership in all aspects of software design and development starting with requirements generation and following through implementation, testing, deployment.
- Define and influence software architecture, design patterns, interfaces, and technical standards to ensure scalable, maintainable, and extensible solutions.