💻 Senior Embedded Linux Developer

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

At Rocket Lab
Our family of Electron launch vehicles and Photon spacecraft are supporting a growing number of ground-breaking missions in low Earth orbit and far beyond. Right now, our team is deep in the development of missions to the Moon and Mars for NASA, as well as the world’s first private mission to Venus. We are looking for an experienced Senior Embedded Linux Develoepr to join the team making these missions a reality.
  
About the role
In this role, you will play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for both our Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, as well as our Photon spacecraft. You’ll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit.
  
This role is for someone who wants to see their software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation. While your software settles into life in space, you’ll be based in our Auckland Production Complex working amongst the rockets and Photon spacecraft as they’re built and collaborating with the vibrant, dedicated, and talented people who have made Rocket Lab into the global leader it is today.
  
Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain Linux kernels used for embedded systems
• Develop and modify device drivers to interface to programmable logic components
• Develop and maintain embedded Linux root file-systems with Yocto
• Develop application software to run within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS)
• Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to run within a Continuous Integration framework.
• Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers in developing, documenting and validating requirements.
• Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards.
• Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CDR.
• Assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary!) flight operations.

  
Required Skills

• Embedded Linux deployment configuration e.g. Yocto, Buildroot
• Embedded Linux development in an ARM environment e.g. Raspberry Pi, Beagle Bone
• Proficiency in C and C++ languages and development environments.
• Proficiency developing socket based Linux network applications.
• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
• Document management & software systems engineering experience.

  
Required Education & Experience

• An engineering degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification.
• 5+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded Linux software development.

  
Preferred Skills

• Linux kernel driver development
• Experience interfacing Linux applications with programmable logic components
• Linux network configuration with iptables, netfilter, qdisc
• Proficiency with Python and bash
• Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as uC/OS or FreeRTOS.
• Experience developing software and drivers for serial interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C within an embedded system.
• Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites, UAVs, rovers, or autonomous underwater vehicles.
• Experience working within an agile or scrum based workflow.

  
Rocket Lab Employee Benefits

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

  
Important Information for New Zealand Applicants: 

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: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State.

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.