Principal DevOps Engineer

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 access 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

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.

PRINCIPAL DEVOPS ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Littleton, CO, the Principal DevOps Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our spacecraft flight software build environment. You will be working closely with the flight software engineering team to plan out and implement a continuous build system for a variety of missions.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Work closely with embedded software teams to develop and improve our TeamCity build pipelines.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate continuous build and testing into a broader CI/CT/CD framework.

• Partner with flight software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needs.

• Design and implement scalable and reliable automation solutions to streamline software development and testing workflows.

• Optimize build systems for performance, reliability, and scalability to support multiple spacecraft missions.

• Develop tools and scripts to automate repetitive tasks and improve developer productivity.

• Monitor and troubleshoot build pipelines to ensure smooth operation and rapid issue resolution.

• Stay up to date with the latest DevOps tools and technologies, and recommend improvements to existing processes.

• Mentor and guide junior engineers on best practices for DevOps and CI/CD workflows.

• Contribute to the overall architecture and strategy for Rocket Lab’s software development infrastructure.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree

• 12+ years of experience with software development

• Strong experience with Linux

• Strong experience with Docker

• Strong experience writing maintainable bash scripts

• Experience building C/C++ Applications

• Experience with embedded toolchains

• Experience with Git Submodules

• Experience with Python 3

• Active DoD Secret security clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one

• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS/SCI clearance

• Experience writing a TeamCity Pipeline-as-Configuration library/framework

• Experience with embedded software including microcontrollers and/or Q7

• Experience with Gitlab/Jira Integration

• Experience with Yocto

• Experience with Make and/or CMake

• Experience with Bazel

• Experience with Robot Framework

• Experience using GCC with cross compilation

• Experience with a Code Quality tool like SonarQube or CppCheck

• Experience with dynamic analysis tools like ASan and Valgrind

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus

• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing

• Must be physically able to commute to buildings

• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

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)
$150,000—$200,000 USD

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] 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.