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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer, Lead - **Company:** Rocket Lab - **Location:** Long Beach, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $142,000.0 - $189,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** .NET Framework, Agile Methodology, JIRA, Automation of Tests, C Sharp (Programming Language), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Code Review, Database Applications, Relational Databases, Linux, DevOps, Elasticsearch, Design of User Interfaces, Integrated Development Environments, Node.Js, RabbitMQ, Reliability Engineering, Service-Oriented Architecture, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, SQL Databases, TypeScript, ReactJS, Backend, Vue.js, AngularJS, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Front End Software Development, Restful APIs, Docker - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.disabledperson.com/jobs/73700284-software-engineer-lead ## About the Role * A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience * 5+ years of professional software development experience * Proven experience in team leadership * Excellent problem-solving and project management skills * Technical expertise in HTML/CSS, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, or similar frameworks * Proficiency with SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.Net development * Experience with Linux as a development environment THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: * Experience with User Interface development * Database application development * Experience with tools and technologies such as RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch * Familiarity with aerospace industry domains, including Launch Operations, Enterprise Resource Planning, Quality Management Systems, Product Life Cycle Management * Program management experience 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. ## Description Based out of Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA the Software Engineer, Lead will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full-stack software solutions that enhance the improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the in-house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform as well as tools that integrate with the ERP system and related products. These applications rely heavily on relational databases and REST APIs, both upstream and downstream, as part of service-oriented architecture. Provide front line management for a small technical team working on MES projects and work with team management to coordinate strategic activities. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: * Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in areas such as frontend or backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, DevOps, Or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) * Develop world-class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit -integration, and end-to-end) code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira * Review and approve code, merge requests, architecture designs, and software requirements * Define product roadmaps, refine backlogs, and manage epics, features, and releases * Lead and manage scrum activities, metrics, and agile workflows * Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders to gather and refine system requirements * Facilitate stakeholder meetings, deliver training sessions, and provide ongoing support for deployed products * Plan and schedule releases aligned with business goals and timelines * Oversee deployment and operational support of software, ensuring high-quality deliverables * Implement machine-to-machine services and create intuitive web-based user interfaces * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver value to stakeholders * Provide vision, leadership, and project coordination for the MES team * Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet project deadlines and objectives * Recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering growth * Define roles and responsibilities, provide timely feedback, and ensure team motivation and efficiency * Facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for team members ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)