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# Principal Flight Software Engineer

- **Company:** Rocket Lab
- **Location:** Long Beach, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $210,000.0 - $324,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Adobe InDesign, Software Applications, Systems Engineering, Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, Device Drivers, Linux on Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
- **Published:** October 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18495037?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18495037%2FPrincipal-Flight-Software-Engineer-California-Long-Beach

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or other technical engineering discipline)
 * 12+ years ofdemonstrated 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, * 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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

## Description

* 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


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