Integrated Operations Engineer
Rocket Lab
Salary undisclosed
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Description
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. Come shape the future with us.
Are you ready to be part of New Zealand's space revolution? We're seeking a passionate Integrated Operations Engineer to join our Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab's Auckland Production Complex, working on the cutting-edge systems that launch rockets into orbit and beyond.
THE MISSION
As an Integrated Operations Engineer, you'll be at the heart of mission-critical operations, from stack testing through launch and on-orbit operations. Working hands-on with Electron launch vehicles, you'll operate from our Auckland Mission Control Centre, LC-1 Mahia, and support launches across multiple sites. This is your opportunity to work alongside talented operators, engineers, and technicians in a fast-paced environment where your expertise directly impacts successful missions to space.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Mission Operations: Execute testing and launch operations for Electron vehicles, performing on-console duties while maintaining real-time situational awareness
- Technical Excellence: Configure and operate electrical systems, avionics, RF systems, tracking & telemetry, and command & control systems
- Process Innovation: Drive continuous improvement efforts to optimize checkout procedures, increase launch cadence, and streamline operations
- Problem-Solving: Perform real-time troubleshooting, failure investigations, and root cause analysis to ensure mission success
- Cross-Training: Develop proficiency across multiple operational roles and train other team members
- Data Analysis: Conduct post-test and post-flight analysis to inform future operations
- Infrastructure Support: Support design, development, and operation of test facilities, launch pads, and control centres
WHAT YOU BRING
Essential
- Education & Experience: Aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic engineering degree with 3+ years in engineering design, test, and/or operations
- Drive & Attitude: Self-motivated with a contagiously positive mindset
- Communication Skills: Proven ability to build strong working relationships and communicate effectively across teams
- Attention to Detail: Careful work ethic with meticulous focus on quality and safety
- Pressure Performance: Ability to work under tight deadlines and make sound decisions in dynamic environments
Desirable
- 5+ years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations
- Launch vehicle or spacecraft experience including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
- Programming skills in Java, Python, or similar object-oriented languages
- Software development experience with web-based tools (HTML, XML)
- Networking knowledge including TCP/IP, UDP, multicast protocols, and routing
WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL HERE
You're someone who:
- Takes ownership of tasks and projects, delivering results independently
- Embraces teamwork with a "How can I help?" mentality where no task is beneath you
- Communicates proactively, escalating risks appropriately and keeping stakeholders informed
- Thinks strategically about best-for-business solutions that improve cost, quality, and reliability
- Challenges respectfully and contributes meaningfully to technical debates
- Stays positive and adaptable in a fast-paced operational environment
- Prioritises safety and follows procedures rigorously to protect people and hardware
WHY JOIN US?
- Be mission-critical to launches that open access to space
- Develop deep expertise in launch and mission operations with world-class training
- Grow your career across multiple operational roles and technical disciplines
- Work with cutting-edge technology at New Zealand's premier space launch facility
- Make real impact on missions that deploy satellites and advance space exploration
READY FOR LIFTOFF?
If you're motivated by the challenge of launch operations and want to be part of making space more accessible, we want to hear from you.
Apply now to join Rocket Lab and help launch the future of space.
Note: Domestic and international travel may be required.
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 ONLY:
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.
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.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
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.
About this role
Rocket Lab's Integrated Operations Engineer role puts you directly into launch operations for the Electron vehicle, working from the Auckland Mission Control Centre and supporting launches across multiple sites. You'll handle on-console duties during testing and flight, configure and operate electrical, avionics, RF, and telemetry systems, and own real-time troubleshooting when issues arise. The work spans from pre-launch checkout through on-orbit operations, with responsibility for driving process improvements and conducting post-flight analysis.
The position requires an aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic engineering degree plus at least three years in engineering design, test, or operations. You should be comfortable working under pressure, communicating across teams, and taking ownership of tasks independently. Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft, programming in Python or Java, and networking protocols are valuable but not required. This is an in-office role based in Auckland, though domestic and international travel may be needed to support launches at other sites.
If you're applying for the US location, you must be a US citizen, green card holder, or eligible to obtain ITAR authorization. The role suits someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, prioritizes safety and quality rigorously, and finds meaning in contributing to missions that expand space access.
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