Software Engineer II - Robotics at ROCKET LAB

Department: 5557 RMC - Systems Engineering

Compensation

$118,000 – $152,600/yr

Location: Pasadena, California
Type: Full-time
Level: mid
Posted: Sep 10, 2026

Description

Rocket Lab is hiring a Software Engineer II - Robotics to develop and maintain software for robotic platforms, motion-control systems, sensing systems, machine interfaces, test systems, and production support tools. The role supports software development from concept through simulation, hardware bring-up, integration, testing, deployment, troubleshooting, and production support, while partnering with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, test, quality, and operations teams. The position is onsite in Pasadena, California, requires 2–5 years of professional software engineering experience, strong C++ and/or Python proficiency, robotics and embedded software experience, and Linux development experience. The base salary is $108,000–$135,000 USD, with total compensation of $118,000–$152,600 USD including equity.

Required Skills

C++
Python
ROS/ROS 2
Embedded systems
Motion control
Linux
CI/CD
Automated testing

Additional Information

Minimum Education: Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience
Required Previous Experiences: 2–5 years of professional software engineering experience in robotics, motion control, embedded systems, hardware systems, or complex technical products
Experience with ROS or ROS 2 robotics frameworks, including real-time variants or applications
Hands-on experience integrating software with motors, actuators, sensors, motion controllers, embedded systems, machine vision, or industrial networks
Experience with real-time or embedded software, control loops, deterministic timing, and hardware bring-up
Experience developing in Linux environments
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with motion planning, kinematics and dynamics, trajectory generation, controls software, robot calibration, perception systems, state estimation, or sensor fusion
Experience with real-time operating systems, bare-metal embedded development, hard real-time control, or safety-critical software
Experience with spacecraft, embedded, or industrial communication interfaces and fieldbus protocols
Experience with simulation, digital twins, hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, flatsat, testbed environments, automated test equipment, or production test systems
Experience designing for fault tolerance, redundancy, cybersecurity, configuration control, or operation in radiation, thermal, vacuum, or other harsh environments
Experience working in aerospace, defense, space, advanced manufacturing, industrial robotics, medical device, or other high-reliability hardware environments
Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical issues into clear plans, risks, and decisions for technical and non-technical stakeholders
Translation Company Name: Rocket Lab Corporation