Software Engineer II

About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER II – DATA ENGINEERING
As a
Software Engineer II - Data Engineering
based at Rocket Lab's site in Ontario, Canada, you will be part of the Data Engineering team, a specialized Software Engineering group whose mission is to enable data-driven and automated solutions across company operations, manufacturing, and R&D. Positioned between data collection and data utilization, the team develops tools and services that empower all departments to extract meaningful insights and maximize the value of their data.

In this role, you will bring strong technical expertise to help the team achieve its objectives. Your work will primarily focus on backend software engineering, with an emphasis on APIs and services, while also involving data visualization applications, data processing workflows, databases, and data pipelines. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across multiple time zones to design, build, and deploy core Data Engineering services, while working with engineers and stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver impactful solutions.

What You'll Get To Do

• Collaborating across time zones, you'll work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver core Data Engineering solutions
• Design, develop, and maintain APIs, services, tools, and data pipelines for indexing, retrieval, visualization, reporting, and automation
• Create and enhance software and tooling to support data management and company processes
• Deliver tested, documented, and standards-compliant software products while maintaining existing systems
• Collaborate on requirements, architecture designs, backlog refinement, and merge request reviews
• Update tickets, coordinate with stakeholders, and demonstrate solutions
• Deploy, support, and train users on operational software

You'll Bring These Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in software/electrical-engineering, computer science, Tertiary Diploma or demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge
• 2+ years of engineering experience within a software engineering related discipline
• Python development
• Experience with Jira, Redmine, or other issue tracker
• Experience with Git
• Experience with CI/CD and containerization
• Common data analysis libraries/tools such as Pandas/Numpy, ETL pipelines, SQL
• REST APIs and service development

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Experience with Kubernetes, and deploying services at scale
• Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs
• Data visualization
• Data science and numerical analysis techniques
• Experience with agile development practices
• Database knowledge
• Web Application Development
• User Interface Development
• Team player with a positive attitude

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

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 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.