Head of Flight Software

Job Description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Head of Flight Software to lead flight software engineering teams in Long Beach, CA and Littleton, CO. This role involves shaping the flight software product and ecosystem that supports Rocket Lab’s space systems and missions. As a senior technical leader, the Head of Flight Software will drive strategic direction, architecture, product, and execution of flight software systems and operations while managing a high-performing team of engineers.Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, an onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.What this role involves:

• Owning the team responsible for architecture and development of flight software solutions across Rocket Lab Space Systems.
• Defining, building, and maintaining a flight software center of excellence.
• Defining and executing the strategic roadmap for flight software; ensuring scalability, security, and mission reliability.
• Establishing and maintaining technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques to optimize flight software integration.
• Driving efficiency and quality of work product from multi-disciplinary teams to develop industry-leading flight software, simulation software, and test software.
• Partnering with program and product management to align software capabilities with mission objectives, company goals, and customer needs.
• Driving innovation in flight software, ensuring adoption of modern technologies, automation, and testing practices.
• Driving key documentation, including interface specifications, CONOPS, and design frameworks.
• Conducting staffing resource analysis and allocation to build and maintain a properly sized organization with skill sets to satisfy program and market demands.
• Participating in proposals and new business capture.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, aerospace, electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace software engineering, including embedded systems.
• 8+ years of leadership experience, managing teams and complex software programs.
• Ability to identify, develop plans, and solve complex large-scale problems with little oversight.
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with competing priorities.
• Expertise in embedded flight software development.
• Expertise in C+ and Python.
• Track record of successfully delivering mission-critical software for satellite and spacecraft operations.

Rocket Lab offers:

• Company equity
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym
• Food and drinks
• Childcare concierge