Senior Software Engineer I/II - Simulation Engineering

Senior Software Engineer I/II - Simulation Engineering

Littleton, CO

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.

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Software Engineer I/II – Simulation Engineering to join our team, based out of our Littleton, CO site. In this role, you will focus on architecting large-scale simulation environments and driving high-level data analysis to solve complex aerospace challenges. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to design distributed simulation campaigns, extract actionable insights from massive datasets, and support critical mission decision-making processes. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in big data analysis, distributed computational modeling, and software systems architecture, who thrives in solving constellation-level technical problems.

What You'll Get to Do:

• Architect and deploy large-scale, distributed simulation environments for complex aerospace systems, including multi-vehicle and constellation-level modeling.
• Develop robust data pipelines to process, analyze, and visualize massive datasets generated by high-fidelity simulations.
• Derive actionable engineering and mission-level insights through advanced statistical analysis and data modeling of simulation outputs.
• Optimize simulation infrastructure for high-performance computing (HPC) and distributed cluster environments to ensure scalability.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define campaign-level requirements and translate mission objectives into scalable simulation architectures.
• Lead the integration of complex simulation ecosystems, ensuring synchronization across multiple subsystems and analytical tools.

Qualifications You'll Bring as Senior Software Engineer I:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience focusing on large-scale simulation engineering, data analysis, or distributed computational modeling.
• Proficiency in languages used for heavy data analysis and simulation infrastructure (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience architecting and analyzing large-scale Monte Carlo campaigns.
• Experience processing and analyzing large datasets using modern data analytics libraries or frameworks.
• Experience modeling complex, multi-component physical systems (e.g., spacecraft constellations, multi-vehicle architectures, or robotics).
• U.S citizenship required, due to program requirements.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

• Active Secret clearance, Top Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one
• Strong familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), parallel processing, and distributed compute clusters (e.g., Docker Swarm, Kubernetes).
• Experience in multi-vehicle or synchronized distributed simulation environments.
• Advanced understanding of statistical analysis, data visualization techniques, and optimization algorithms.
• Experience with machine learning or AI-driven methodologies applied to large dataset analysis or simulation generation.
• Familiarity with cloud-based simulation platforms or large-scale data lakes.
• Proven ability to tackle complex architectural challenges and deliver innovative data solutions.

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$120,000 - $160,000 USD