> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2753246-software-engineer-ii](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2753246-software-engineer-ii). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer II - **Company:** Rocket Lab - **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $143,300.0 - $214,850.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Nvidia CUDA, Computer Engineering, Embedded Software, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Visual Systems, Multithreading, Numerical Computing, Information Technology - **Published:** September 6, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/senior-software-engineer-ii-rocket-lab-usa-9941217 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, * 8+ years of experience in embedded software engineering experience * Experience in designing complex multithreaded application * Experience designing flight software * Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government security clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: * Familiarity with high-performance and parallel processing * Exposure to novel architectures including FPGA, CUDA, etc. * Familiarity with flight software system management * Experience with algorithm implementation * Exposure to Python and MATLAB is highly desired * Familiarity with numerical computing principles 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 As a Senior Software Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will design flight software in support of spacecraft for Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture., * Play a key role supporting the development of payload flight software for our Space Systems programs * Focus on deployment of novel algorithms into austere environments on Size/Weight/Power constrained sensor systems * Participate in all aspects of software design and development starting with requirements generation and following through implementation, testing, deployment * Drive core software fundamentals of performance-oriented programming leveraging a variety of accelerator technologies * Be part of a team of driven pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space ## Related Videos - [Coffee with Developers - Stephen Jones - NVIDIA](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1303-coffee-with-developers-stephen-jones-nvidia) - [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) - [Solving Architectural Entropy With Runnable Diagrams](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100144-solving-architectural-entropy-with-runnable-diagrams) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)