Principal Flight Software Engineer

The job

LIVE Employer public job feed (private-sector employer) Source: the employer's public careers feed · Data: listed 2026-11-04

Job 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 

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. 

PRINCIPAL FLIGHT SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, the Principal Flight Software Engineer will play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You’ll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit.

This role is for someone who wants to see their software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop application software to run within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux
• Develop hardware drivers to interface to Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
• Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to run within a Continuous Integration framework
• Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality
• Collaborate with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers in developing, documenting and validating requirements
• Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards
• Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CDR
• Assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary!) flight operations

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or other technical engineering discipline)
• 12+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
• Proficiency in Rust, C++, and C languages
• Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
• Experience leading junior software developers, collaborating with other engineering disciplines, and interacting with customers
• Active Security clearance OR ability to obtain and maintain one 
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system
• Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.  

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 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.

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Field: Technology Sub-niche: Software engineering All jobs at Rocket Lab Corporation Jobs in Colorado Jobs in Littleton, CO Littleton city guide Colorado state guide Arapahoe County economy

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About the role

This is a — role in the Technology field (Software engineering) at Rocket Lab Corporation.

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The city

The job is in Littleton, CO. Below is what the official statistics say about living and working there.

How Littleton compares. Among the 80 largest places in Colorado, Littleton is #21 by population, #60 for homeownership (#1 = highest), #26 for college degrees (#1 = most), #31 for remote work (#1 = most). Its county, Arapahoe County, is #4 of 64 counties for average pay ($85,628).

The place in numbers

Littleton has 44,710 residents (ACS 2020–2024), about 0.8% of the population of Colorado. It covers 13 square miles of land, which works out to roughly 3,543 people per square mile. The median age is 40.8, 8% older than the state median (40.8 against 37.7).

Housing

The median gross rent is $1,819 a month (rent plus utilities), 3% above the state median ($1,819 against $1,761). Over a year that is 22.1% of the median household income. US housing guidance treats housing as affordable when it takes 30% of income or less, so the typical household is under that line. The median home value is $630,600, which is 6.4 times the median household income ($98,839); a ratio above 5 usually means buying is out of reach without savings or a second income. 61.2% of households own their home, 8% below the state average (61.2% against 66.2%).

Work and pay

The Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area has 1,609,350 jobs in the BLS wage survey, and the median pay across all occupations is $62,320 a year, 22% above the national median ($62,320 against $50,980). The biggest occupation groups are business and financial operations (169,260 jobs, median $96,450); office and administrative support (168,520 jobs, median $53,050); sales and related (165,560 jobs, median $49,730). The area is most specialised in architecture and engineering (1.6 times) and computer and mathematical (1.6 times), where the share of workers is well above the national share. The best-paying groups with at least 5,000 jobs are management ($160,810) and legal ($132,690). In 2026M09 the unemployment rate of Arapahoe County was 4.3%. 69.8% of residents aged 16 and over are in the labour force. The city lies in Arapahoe County; its jobs, pay by industry and GDP are on the county page.

Getting around

Among workers, 65.3% drive alone, 2.9% use public transit, 1.5% walk, 23.2% work from home. 12.7% of workers commute 45 minutes or more, 10% below the state average (12.7% against 14.1%).

People and education

56.8% of adults aged 25 and over hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 24% above the state share (56.8% against 45.7%). 7.2% of residents were born outside the United States, 27% below the state share (7.2% against 9.8%). The poverty rate is 6.1%, 35% below the state rate (6.1% against 9.4%).

Climate

The warmest month is Jul, averaging 72°F (22.3°C), and the coolest is Dec at 28°F (-2.1°C). About 440 mm (17 inches) of precipitation falls in a year; Jul is the wettest month (62 mm) and Jan the driest (17 mm). These values come from NASA satellite-based climatology on a grid of about 50 km, so they describe the wider area, not a weather station in the city.

Nearby cities to compare

Closest cities in this guide: Columbine (3 miles, rent 35% higher); Englewood (4 miles, rent 8% lower); Highlands Ranch (4 miles, rent 39% higher); Ken Caryl (5 miles, rent 17% higher). Rent differences are against Littleton; use the Compare tab to put any two cities side by side.

Full guide to Littleton →Colorado guideAll jobs in Littleton

Official links for Littleton

• Census Bureau data profile for Littleton
• Official state website: colorado.gov
• BLS Economy at a Glance: Colorado

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Career paths

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Cybersecurity (713) Data, analytics and AI (3366) Cloud, IT and infrastructure (1040) Product management (836)

Distances

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The employer

Rocket Lab Corporation is the employer in this listing. See all its open jobs here →

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Other open jobs at Rocket Lab Corporation

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Same sub-niche: Software engineering

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FAQ

What is the Principal Flight Software Engineer job at Rocket Lab Corporation?

A private-sector role in technology (software engineering) listed 5 days ago. The full description is on this page and on the employer's page.

Where is this job?

Littleton, CO.

How do I apply?

Use the "View this job and apply on the employer's page" button. AtiveSite does not receive applications.

How much does it pay?

The listing does not publish pay, and we could not match the title to one official occupation.

What is the cost of living there?

Median rent in Littleton is $1,819 a month and median household income $98,839 (ACS 2020–2024).

How old is this listing?

It was posted on 2026-11-04 (5 days ago). Jobs older than 90 days are not shown.

Are there similar jobs?

Yes: browse software engineering jobs in Colorado.

Sources and terms

• Job data: Rocket Lab Corporation careers page public feed (listing dated 2026-11-04). The job disappears from this site when it disappears from the source.
• Wages and projections: BLS OEWS (May 2025) and Employment Projections 2025–35.
• City and county figures: Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, BEA, BLS QCEW and LAUS, NASA POWER climatology; distances from Census Gazetteer coordinates.

AtiveSite is not affiliated with or endorsed by the employer or any government agency, and does not process applications. Verify every detail with the employer before acting.

Sources

• BLS OEWS (wages and employment by occupation, May 2025)
• BLS Employment Projections 2025–35
• BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics
• BLS JOLTS
• BLS State and Metro Area Employment
• Census Bureau American Community Survey (via Census Reporter)
• BEA GDP by state and Regional Price Parities
• IRS 2026 tax adjustments
• U.S. Department of Labor, minimum wage by state
• Tax Foundation state income tax rates 2026
• USAJOBS
• USCIS
• U.S. Department of State, visas
• NASA POWER climatology
• GeoNames / Census Gazetteer (coordinates)