Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$198k–$297k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Software Architecture, Flight Software, Embedded Systems, C, C++
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$170k–$260k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: :, Software Architecture, Flight Software, Embedded Systems, C
Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid
$119k–$233k/yr
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams! With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we h…
Skills: 3D CAD, Catia V5/V6, 3DX, Production Release Process, Welding Techniques
Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid
$119k–$233k/yr
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams! With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we h…
Skills: Seat Structures Engineering, 3D CAD, Catia V5/V6, 3DX, DFSS
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$150k–$225k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Network Software, Embedded Systems, Secure Network Systems, Software Development Lifecycle, Jira
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$198k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Network Software, Embedded Systems, Software Development Lifecycle, Jira, Systems Engineering
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$18/hr
Job Title: Advanced Water Treatment Facility Operator (Intern) Department: Asset Management Reports To: Lead Operator / Operations and Maintenance Manager Location: ARC Facility, Pico Rivera and/or LVL Facility Long Beac…
Skills: Water Treatment Operation, Ultrafiltration, Reverse Osmosis, UV Advanced Oxidation, Water Quality Sampling
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$132k–$198k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: GNC Design, ADCS Development, Flight Software Implementation, Algorithm Development, Monte Carlo Simulation
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$132k–$198k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: GNC Design, ADCS Development, Flight Software Implementation, Algorithm Development, Subsystem Integration & Test
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$126k–$188k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Avionics Testing, Electronics Hardware Simulation, Data Acquisition, Control System Platforms, Communication Protocols
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$135k–$190k/yr
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America an…
Skills: Wire Harness Design, 3D NX CAD, Electrical Architecture, Wiring Diagrams, Interface Control Documents
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
Manufacturing Engineer Job Description Mayman Aerospace created the world's only successful turbine powered Jetpack. We are a venture-backed company with DoD contracts working to develop our Air Utility Vehicle. It will …
Skills: Hands-on Fabrication, Advanced Composites, CAD Proficiency, GD&T, Vehicle Integration
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$162k–$243k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: GNC Design, ADCS Development, Flight Software Implementation, Spacecraft Autonomy, Monte Carlo Simulation
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$94k–$101k/yr
Carmel Partners, one of the nation’s highest-performing private equity real estate investment firms specializing in the investment, development, and construction of world-class multi-family projects, is seeking a P…
Skills: Project Management, Wood-Frame Construction, Procurement, Submittal Management, Quality Control
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$143k–$214k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: C, C++, Embedded Software Development, Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS), Embedded Linux
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$124k–$171k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: C, C++, RTOS, Embedded Linux, Embedded Software Development
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$162k–$243k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Orbital Mechanics, Orbit Determination Theory, Mission Design, Python, Git
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$132k–$198k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Orbital Mechanics, Orbit Determination Theory, STK, Astrogator, GMAT
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$19/hr–$24/hr
Rubbercraft is seeking an Extrusion Operator I to support the production of high-quality rubber extrusions used in aerospace and other critical applications. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, and mo…
Skills: Rubber Extrusion, Equipment Setup, Quality Inspection, Calipers, Gauges
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$80k–$105k/yr
Rubbercraft (RCC) is seeking a Production Planner III who coordinates daily with Production managers and Production Leads to validate, prioritize, and or modify production schedules, and to resolve issues affecting sched…
Skills: Master Production Scheduling, Capacity Analysis, MRP Planning, ERP Systems, S&OP
Long Beach, California, United States • On-site
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Lead the end-to-end software architecture design for flight and ground systems for a major constellation program. Develop mission-critical embedded software and web-based ground platforms while providing technical mentorship to engineering teams.
Requires a Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of professional software development experience in aerospace or defense. Must hold an active TS/SCI clearance and be a U.S. citizen.
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER – TS/SCI
Based out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Principal Software Engineer to serve as the Chief Software Engineer for a major constellation program. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable, reliable, and mission-critical software systems for space-based applications. With expertise in flight software, embedded systems, and ground software systems, you will collaborate with systems teams, software engineers, and stakeholders to ensure mission success. If you have a passion for aerospace and defense, hold an active TS/SCI clearance, and thrive in fast-paced environments, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security and space exploration.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER:
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.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected].This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
Based on 548 listings with disclosed salaries, most engineering jobs in Long Beach, CA pay between $75k–$204k per year. Individual offers vary with seniority, company size, and specialization.
There are currently 591 open engineering positions in Long Beach, CA listed on Clera. New openings are added daily as companies post roles.
Companies currently hiring include Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, Vast, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, among others. Browse the listings above to see every active employer.
Yes — 116 of the 591 open engineering positions offer remote or hybrid work (10 remote, 106 hybrid).
Each listing links directly to the employer's application page. Apply early — fresh listings get the most recruiter attention in the first two weeks.
