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# Principal Flight Software Engineer

- **Company:** Rocket Lab
- **Location:** Greenwood Village, CO, United States
- **Salary:** $150,000 - $220,000
- **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, Requirements Management, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Front End Software Development
- **Published:** November 13, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-flight-software-engineer-littleton-co--d1d5b62b-5dc8-4919-a537-fc2fed04d4c1

## About the Role

Software Engineering, Manufacturing, Wheel/Front-End Loader, Software Engineering, Software Development, Software Design, Requirements Management, Realtime Operating System, Embedded Linux, Device Drivers, * Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or other technical engineering discipline)

 * 12+ years of demonstrated 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.

## Description

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, the Principal Flight Software Engineer will play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You'll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit.

This role is for someone who wants to see their software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

 * 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