Spacecraft 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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defence sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
SENIOR SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER
Based at our Auckland Production Complex as a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer, you’ll take ownership of spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet - from LEO constellations to deep space exploration missions. You won’t just operate spacecraft - you’ll design how they’re operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry.
You’ll collaborate with world-class engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design - turning ambitious ideas into reality, fast.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Command and operate spacecraft with automation at the core
- Develop and test ground and flight software for long-term missions
- Build robust operational scripts and telemetry/FDIR configurations
- Lead validation using simulation tools (HITL, flatsat)
- Support spacecraft through integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit life
- Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and performance
WHAT SETS YOU APART:
- You’re not just technically strong - you’re decisive, curious, and solutions-focused.
- You tackle complex engineering problems and find a path forward
- You own your work end-to-end and deliver under pressure
- You communicate clearly, challenge respectfully, and collaborate deeply
- You think in systems, balance risk, and optimise for real-world outcomes
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
- 4+ years of experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations
- Background in mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations/command
- Familiarity with Linux systems and software development experience, such as Python, C++, or other high-level languages
- Strong understanding of spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal)
- Solid grasp of orbital mechanics, space environment, and dynamics
- Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, multi-priority environments
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Postgraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering
- Experience in spacecraft ops, satellite design, or ground systems
- Familiarity with modern dev tools (Git, CI/CD, cloud)
- Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing experience
This isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to help build spacecraft that go further, operate smarter, and achieve more than ever before.
Ready to launch your career into orbit? Apply now and help us shape the future of space.
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 Space Systems team is looking for a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to command and operate an expanding fleet of spacecraft—from low Earth orbit constellations to deep space missions. Based at the Auckland Production Complex, you'll own spacecraft operations end-to-end, designing automation and software that drive mission success from concept through launch and on-orbit life. This role bridges operations and engineering: you'll develop ground and flight software, build operational scripts and telemetry configurations, lead validation through simulation, and collaborate with propulsion, flight software, and mission design teams to turn complex ideas into working systems under real-world pressure.
The role demands someone with at least four years in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations, plus a bachelor's degree in aerospace or related engineering. You'll need hands-on familiarity with Linux, proficiency in languages like Python or C++, and a solid grasp of spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms, thermal) and orbital mechanics. Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, modern development tools, or postgraduate aerospace training would strengthen your candidacy, but what matters most is being technically strong, decisive, and able to deliver under pressure in a fast-paced environment where you own your work completely.
Note: If applying for the US office, you must be a US citizen, green card holder, or eligible for ITAR authorization. New Zealand applicants will undergo background checks prior to any offer.
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