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# Principal Software Engineer

- **Company:** Rocket Lab
- **Location:** Oro Valley, AZ, United States
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Nvidia CUDA, Computer Engineering, Software Design Patterns, Embedded Software, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Software Architecture, Server Administration, Software Engineering, Visual Systems, Multithreading, Parallel Computation, Numerical Computing, Information Technology, Front End Software Development
- **Published:** November 8, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-software-engineer-tucson-az--e78cd75d-ba47-4cfc-a1d9-cb11edb179b8

## About the Role

Software Engineering, Wheel/Front-End Loader, Manufacturing, Software Engineering, Intelligence Community, Surveillance, IR (Infrared), Defense Intelligence, Software Administration, Software Design, * Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering.

 * 12+ 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.

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.

## Description

As a Principal Software Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, 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.
 * Lead cross-functional teams to define technical requirements and deliver integrated solutions.
 * Provide technical leadership in all aspects of software design and development starting with requirements generation and following through implementation, testing, deployment.
 * Define and influence software architecture, design patterns, interfaces, and technical standards to ensure scalable, maintainable, and extensible solutions.
 * Drive core software fundamentals of performance-oriented programming leveraging a variety of accelerator technologies.
 * Mentor engineers across experience levels, provide technical guidance, and foster a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
 * Support technical planning, effort estimation, risk identification, dependency management, and milestone delivery while communicating technical status and risks to stakeholders.
 * 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.