Lead, Operations Software

Description

The company builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems in an end-to-end model, and it is one of the fastest-growing space companies, expanding to new launch sites, missions, and global markets.

The IT team manages how the global teams get access to information and run operations across computer systems, networks, and devices, supporting proprietary systems and people from finance to launch operations.

This role is based onsite in Long Beach, CA or Auckland, NZ, reports to the Manager, Operations Software, and leads a team of up to 8 engineers.

You will build, maintain, and support software that configures, commands, and monitors launch vehicles (Electron, Neutron), spacecraft, and ground systems.

You will work with stakeholder groups across the company so the tools you build suit their purpose and are easy to use.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, build, and upkeep of software for testing and mission operations on launch vehicles and spacecraft.
• Guide a high-performing software team with direction, technical vision, and project coordination.
• Own your team's work, prioritise the right business goals, and manage technical and schedule risk.
• Work with business stakeholders to define, gather, and review requirements and to manage deliverables.
• Shape software architecture and product backlog items.
• Run agile development practices, including code reviews, and help set code review standards.
• Write documentation for developers and end users.
• Bring new ideas in technical fields to keep the company at the forefront of technology.
• Coach and mentor team members on technical best practices and project planning.
• Find and carry out ways to improve how the team works.
• Make sure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed, including correct PPE use, and report incidents and near misses promptly.
• Take on other duties when reasonably needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Experience using Git.
• Experience with Jira or another issue tracking system.
• Proficiency in a statically typed language such as Go, C, or C++.
• Experience developing user interfaces.
• Nice to have: experience with network protocols such as UDP, TCP, gRPC, or CCSDS.
• Nice to have: experience with high-performance systems and scalability.
• Nice to have: experience with Linux containers, cloud application development, and Kubernetes.
• Nice to have: familiarity with CI/CD systems.
• Nice to have: knowledge of human factors engineering.
• Nice to have: experience with TypeScript development.
• Nice to have: experience with Scrum or Kanban methodologies.

Conditions

The role may involve long periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary are decided case by case, based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base pay range for California only: $141,800 to $180,000 USD.

For US office roles: you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful U.S. permanent resident, a refugee or asylee lawfully admitted to the U.S., or eligible to obtain the authorizations required from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable, to meet ITAR export rules for space technology.

For New Zealand office roles: background checks, including nationality checks, will be run before any offer is made. You must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR. You may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay plus company stock as part of total compensation, giving you a direct stake in the company's growth.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
• Medical plans: HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant company contribution to the HSA.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Paid vacation and sick time, plus 11 paid holidays.
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Subsidized EV charging.
• Onsite fitness centers where available, and discounted gym memberships.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages.
• 50% employee discount on the company merch store, plus other employee discounts.