AI Software Engineer I

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.

About the IT Team

Rocket Lab's IT team is responsible for how our global teams access information and run operations across our computer systems, networks, and devices. Our hardworking IT team is a group of flexible problem-solvers working in a fast-paced environment but who also thrive under the challenge of supporting all of our proprietary systems and people, from finance to launch operations.

AI Software Engineer I

Based on-site at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA facility, the AI Software Engineer will develop innovative AI solutions, deploy these systems company-wide, and seamlessly integrate them with our critical internal applications. You'll join a collaborative team running rapid experiments to identify the most promising AI use cases, while developing robust, scalable infrastructure that supports the whole organization to leverage AI.

What You'll Get to Do

• Provide access to off-the-shelf AI tools, supporting integration and offering training.
• Build AI-driven solutions that deliver high value across the organization.
• Integrate internal applications with AI by implementing AI agents and providing APIs for software developers.
• Evaluate and integrate specialized AI solutions from external partners to complement our capabilities.
• Collaborate with teams, sharing knowledge and training colleagues on the practical applications of AI.
• Stay informed about internal developments to identify and assess emerging AI opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in a modern programming language.
• Familiarity with LLM agents, MCP, and how they are used in current AI solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in software engineering or machine learning engineering.
• Passion for software, staying up to date with latest developments and experimenting with interesting technology.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Expert level skills in Python, including libraries commonly used in AI/ML from pandas to PyTorch.
• In-depth knowledge of Kubernetes and cloud provider technologies (AWS/Azure/Google Cloud).
• Proven track record of automating software CI/CD pipelines with tools such as TeamCity and ArgoCD.
• Experience with advanced machine learning techniques such as deep learning, natural language processing, or reinforcement learning.

Working Conditions

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary (CA Only): $45.39—$52 USD hourly

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock)
• Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Paid vacation and sick time
• 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)
• Discounted gym memberships
• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• 50% employee discount on company merch store
• Variety of other employee discounts

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

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:

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.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices:

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This 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.