Team Lead - Operations Software

Rocket Lab•Auckland, E7 1010, NZ• Full Time

Posted 1 hour ago• Software• Software

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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NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron Team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

TEAM LEAD - OPERATIONS SOFTWARE

As a Team Lead - Operations Software based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland, NZ, you will be leading a team of hard‑working and mission‑focused software engineers in supporting the development of tools that configure, command, and monitor launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron), spacecraft, and ground systems. You will collaborate closely with stakeholder groups across Rocket Lab to ensure the software we deliver is intuitive, fit for purpose, and enables efficient mission operations. To be successful in this role, you must be proactive, technically strong, highly organized, and skilled at guiding teams through complex, multi‑stakeholder environments. You’ll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

Lead the architecture, implementation, and maintenance of software supporting testing and mission operations, including:
- HMIs for live command and control
- Operations configuration management
- Telemetry and command definition configuration management
Create documentation for developers and end‑users on software products
Contribute to code reviews and develop code review standards
Develop software architecture designs
Refine product backlog items and facilitate agile software development practices
Demonstrate innovation in your technical domain to keep Rocket Lab on the leading edge
Coordinate with stakeholders to collect and review requirements
Prioritize, manage, and drive multiple projects simultaneously
Create and present strategic plans for new operational approaches, equipment, or processes
Coach team members in best practices for technical systems and complex technical queries
Support the development of others’ project plans
Identify and implement opportunities for improvement within the team
Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed
Ensure correct PPE is worn in designated areas
Promptly report near misses and incidents
Perform other duties as reasonably required

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar
Minimum of 8+ years of experience in a related field
Experience with Git
Experience with Jira or other issue‑tracking tools
Proficiency in C# or an equivalent object‑oriented programming language
Experience with user interface development

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

Experience with network protocols (UDP / TCP / gRPC / CCSDS)
Experience with high‑performance systems and scalability
Experience with Linux containers
Experience with cloud application development
Experience with Kubernetes
Experience with CI/CD systems
Knowledge of human factors engineering
Experience with Typescript development
Experience with Scrum or Kanban

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.