Software Engineer II - Data Engineering at Rocketlab

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. NEUTRON Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time. SOFTWARE ENGINEER II – DATA ENGINEERING As a Software Engineer II – Data Engineering based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland, New Zealand, you will support the development and deployment of core data services that power engineering, manufacturing, operations, and R&D. You will work on backend services, APIs, data pipelines, and data visualization tools that enable teams across the company to extract value from their data. To be successful in this role, you must be proactive, collaborative, technically strong, and motivated by solving complex engineering challenges. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and shaping the future of space. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO • Develop APIs, services, and tools that support data indexing, retrieval, visualization, and automation across the company • Build and maintain data pipelines for engineering, reporting, and operational use • Develop new software and tooling that support data management and data exploitation • Maintain and improve existing software products with strong testing and documentation • Participate in code reviews, architecture design, requirements development, and backlog refinement • Keep work tickets current and communicate progress clearly to stakeholders • Demonstrate software to internal teams and coordinate cross‑functionally • Deploy and support operational software in production environments • Train and support internal users of data engineering tools and services YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS • Diploma, certificate, or degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience • Minimum five years of experience in a software engineering discipline • Strong Python development experience • Experience with Git, CI/CD, and containerization • Exposure to modern data platforms including data warehouses, datalakes, and lakehouse architectures • Experience with data analysis tools such as Pandas, NumPy, ETL pipelines, and SQL • Experience developing REST APIs and backend services • Familiarity with Jira, Redmine, or similar issue‑tracking tools • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across teams and time zones • Ability to assess risk, plan work, prioritize effectively, and take ownership of deliverables THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE • Experience with Kubernetes and deploying services at scale • Experience with data visualization tools or frameworks • Knowledge of data science or numerical analysis techniques • Experience with agile development practices • Experience in web application development • Experience in user interface development 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 [Upgrade to PRO to see contact] 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.