Manager – Neutron Software

Rocket Lab is seeking a Manager for Neutron Software to lead the development and deployment of software for Neutron, the company's new medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. This role involves overseeing the Neutron Software team and serving as the technical point of contact for all software-related activities, including vehicle flight software, tooling, and coordination with terrestrial and ground systems software sub-teams. The position is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Key responsibilities include providing oversight and guidance on team members' projects, offering clear feedback during design and review processes, and proactively supporting staff career development. The manager is expected to foster a high-performance culture centered on ownership, empowerment, and individual accountability. Additionally, the role requires effective planning and delivery of a diverse work program against challenging milestones, including mediating business priorities, resources, and risks.

Candidates should possess a Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or an equivalent field, along with at least five years of relevant software engineering experience. A minimum of two years of direct leadership experience, including mentorship and performance management, is required, as well as two years of program or project management experience. Proficiency in deployment and continuous integration tooling, data processing and engineering, Git, issue trackers, and a system programming language such as C++ is essential.

Preferred qualifications include experience with highly reliable software systems, requirements-driven software design, a solid understanding of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) principles, and familiarity with machine learning and Bazel. This role offers the opportunity to significantly impact the future of Rocket Lab's launch vehicle software, directly influencing the success of the Neutron program.