HITL Software Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

ABOUT THE ROLE  

Based in Auckland, NZ, the HITL (hardware in the loop) Software Engineer  is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating HITL systems. You will support the Production, Electron and Neutron organisations and will beresponsible for developing and implementing tools and automation solutions to optimise and streamline HITL system operations. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Work within a small team dedicated to designing, operating, and maintaining the avionic test systems to support all of Rocket Lab’s mission from the production floor to the launch operations. 
• Contribute directly to the development of automation tools to optimise running HITL operations. 
• Work with other teams to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab avionic components. 
• Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions. 
• Work hands-on with test and flight space hardware. 
• Ensure the HITL systems are subjected to an appropriate level of engineering rigour and documentation. 
• Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports. 
• Analyse test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria. 
• Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal teams, vendors, and customers. 
• Work under the New Zealand HITL team to improve the HITL standardisation processes and automation. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Science. 
• 4+ years working in a relevant engineering position 
• 2+ years developing in Python on Linux 
• Experience in designing and architecting automation solutions 
• Experience working in a Hardware-in-the-loop environment. 
• Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for Hardware-in-the-loop environments. 
• An understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics 
• The ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines 
• Proven tracks of managing projects and delivering on time, on cost, and on quality 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• PhD in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Science.
• Ability to understand and create technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and an aptitude for technical guidance and mentoring of junior engineers.
• Have the mindset of actively “make and break” to find flaws and issues and report them.
• Experience with harness manufacturing, electrical connectors, crimping, and soldering.
• Familiarity with Ethernet, RS485/422/232, CAN, LVDS, SpaceWire protocols.
• Experience with computer networking: switching, routing and subnetting.
• Experience reading engineering drawings.
• Experience with PLCs, relays, and power systems.
• Familiarity with Python, C++, Linux, CI/CD, Git, NX and SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of spacecraft systems or similar highly complex and autonomous systems.
• Experience with general design, documentation, and presentation in Microsoft Suite (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with quality reporting and management, work instruction peer review, test procedure or data review, and time recording in Jira. 

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.