Director, Software Engineering (MES)

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA 90801, US• Full Time

Posted 3 hours ago• Software• Software

Compensation

$125,000–$290,000/year

Job Description

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.

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DIRECTOR, SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (MES)

About the Role
The Director, Software Engineering (MES) is responsible for architecting, deploying, and supporting a world-class software and infrastructure backbone that powers how Rocket Lab designs and manufactures products across all global facilities. This includes ownership of Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and agent control plane.

This role leads a high-performing software engineering team, driving excellence in delivery, efficiency, and innovation. You will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of software systems across the manufacturing ecosystem while advancing continuous improvement initiatives.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

Strategic Leadership

Own the architecture and development of MES software solutions across Rocket Lab
Define, build, and maintain a Software Center of Excellence
Establish and execute a strategic MES roadmap focused on scalability, security, operational efficiency, and mission reliability
Identify and implement best practices and emerging technologies to drive operational excellence
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop and evolve company strategy
Track performance against financial targets, milestones, and external benchmarks
Provide strategic insights through regular operational and performance reviews
Guide business teams to ensure disciplined planning and execution of key initiatives
Foster alignment and collaboration across functions, disciplines, and global operations

Operational Management

Oversee the design, planning, and optimization of manufacturing software systems
Ensure scalability, reliability, and efficiency of MES operations
Lead deployment and support of MES platforms across all Rocket Lab sites

Project Management

Direct large-scale engineering programs from concept through completion
Ensure delivery on time and within budget
Partner with the Project Management Office to prioritize and execute initiatives

Financial Management

Develop and manage annual budgets aligned with strategic objectives
Define and report key financial and operational metrics
Optimize global resource allocation for efficient delivery of applications and services
Manage manufacturing engineering budgets, including cost optimization and process improvements

Health & Safety

Ensure adherence to health and safety policies and procedures
Promote proper PPE usage and safe work practices
Ensure timely reporting of incidents and near misses
Implement preventative safety measures across operations

Collaboration & Communication

Partner with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Engineering, and Production teams
Enable seamless integration of new products and processes into manufacturing systems
Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including executive leadership

Team Development

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing software engineering team
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Domestic and international travel as required
Other duties as assigned

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
10+ years of experience in manufacturing software engineering
8+ years of leadership experience managing teams and complex software programs
Proven ability to solve large-scale, complex problems with minimal oversight
Experience operating in fast-paced, high-stakes environments with competing priorities
Deep expertise in factory/embedded manufacturing software systems

Technical Expertise:

Programming & Infrastructure: Rust, Go, C/C++, Kubernetes (K8s, EKS, K3s), Docker
Distributed Systems & Messaging: Kafka, NATS, Linkerd, Traefik
Databases: Redis, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, MySQL, Scylla, Cassandra, CockroachDB, FoundationDB, SQLite
Tooling & Frontend: ArgoCD, Tauri, TypeScript, React

Networking & Protocols:

TCP/IP, gRPC, Protobuf, FlatBuffers
Industrial protocols: EtherCAT, Profinet, CANBUS
APIs & Security: RESTful services, mTLS, TLS
Demonstrated success delivering mission-critical software for factory automation
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Willingness and ability to travel internationally

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Inventor or author of patents related to factory or manufacturing software systems

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$125,000—$290,000 USD

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 [email protected].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.