ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
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.
TEAM LEAD – OPERATIONAL DATA
Lead our Operational Data Team in supporting Electron launch vehicle and Photon spacecraft operations. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in software development, particularly in data acquisition, processing, and analytics. They should also possess excellent leadership and project management skills to guide a team of up to six software engineers.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Operational Data Software Development
- Develop software to acquire, ingest, store, and analyze real-time data from various sources including launch operations, integrated systems testing, simulations, and subsystem testing.
- Design and implement data collation, curation, and classification systems.
- Create and maintain data warehouses for archival and maintenance purposes.
- Develop tools for retrieving and displaying operational data.
- Implement advanced analytics, machine learning algorithms, and business intelligence solutions.
Team Leadership
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration with global teams.
- Identify and resolve engineering challenges.
- Assess and estimate technical requirements for projects.
- Coach team members on best practices and technical expertise.
Project Management
- Prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Communicate project status and potential blockers to the wider organization.
- Unblock other projects through cross-functional influence and communication skills.
- Create and coach on team or department strategic plans.
Communication and Collaboration
- Facilitate effective communication among team members, peers, and superiors.
- Ensure meeting productivity and follow-up on action items.
- Encourage respectful debate and constructive feedback.
- Build performance management plans with manager support.
Risk Management and Decision-Making
- Prioritize risks effectively and make informed decisions.
- Leverage quality engineering, senior engineering, and production input to mitigate risks.
- Make risk/reward trade-offs to protect both rockets and business interests.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Tertiary diploma, certificate, or degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent knowledge.
- Minimum 8 years of experience in software engineering-related disciplines.
- Proficiency in Git version control system.
- Experience with Python development.
- Familiarity with data analysis libraries (e.g., Apache Spark, SQL, Pandas/Numpy).
- Experience with ETL pipelines.
- Familiarity with issue tracking systems like Redmine, Jira, Bugzilla, or Mantis.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience in software team leadership roles.
- Knowledge of data science and numerical analysis techniques.
- Experience with data visualization tools.
- Programming skills in C#, Golang, or TypeScript.
- Familiarity with Scrum methodologies.
- Database application development experience.
- Networked application development experience.
- Web application development experience.
- User interface development experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space technology while developing and leading a team of skilled software engineers. If you are passionate about innovative technologies and have the leadership skills to match, we encourage you to apply today!
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 Biow 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.
