Spacecraft Operations Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise offering responsive launch solutions, full spacecraft design and development, payload creation, and satellite component manufacturing aimed at broadening space access. Our Electron rocket is the second most launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering over 230 satellites to orbit. We're also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift vehicle for larger constellation deployments. Our Space Systems division designs and manufactures satellites and components for missions including NASA’s projects to the Moon and Mars, as well as hardware for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems Team

The Space Systems group at Rocket Lab handles the entire satellite production spectrum, from fully assembled satellites for lunar and Martian missions to subsystems including solar arrays, flight software, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our engineers, technicians, and designers create satellite hardware and software supporting commercial, governmental, and defense missions worldwide.

Role Overview

Located at our Auckland Production Complex, the Spacecraft Operations Engineer will manage spacecraft operations for a diverse and expanding fleet ranging from Low Earth Orbit constellations to deep space exploration missions. Responsibilities include not only operating spacecraft but also devising operational strategies, enhancing automation, software, and mission accomplishment from conceptual design to re-entry.

Responsibilities

• Operate spacecraft with a focus on automation-driven command.
• Develop and validate ground and flight software for extended mission lifecycles.
• Create reliable operational scripts and configure telemetry and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) settings.
• Lead validation activities using simulation tools such as hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and flatsat setups.
• Support spacecraft integration, testing, launch, and in-orbit functionality.
• Promote ongoing enhancements to systems, processes, and performance metrics.

Candidate Profile

• Strong problem-solving mindset coupled with decisiveness and curiosity.
• Ability to navigate complex engineering challenges and deliver solutions.
• Ownership of tasks from inception through delivery, thriving under pressure.
• Effective communication skills promoting respectful challenges and deep teamwork.
• Systems-thinking approach balancing risk with optimization for practical outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software, or related engineering disciplines.
• Minimum of three years experience in areas such as space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Knowledge of spacecraft systems including attitude determination and control system (ADCS), power, communications, command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal subsystems.
• Understanding of orbital mechanics, space environments, and spacecraft dynamics.
• Experience working in fast-paced, multitask environments.
• Proficiency with Linux operating systems and programming in Python, C++, or similar languages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postgraduate aerospace engineering degree.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft operations, satellite construction, or ground system design.
• Familiarity with modern development tools including Git, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), and cloud platforms.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing methodologies.

Additional Information

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative spacecraft systems that extend operational capability and mission success. Applicants should expect a high-performance environment driven by collaboration, innovation, and determination to achieve challenging goals.

Important Compliance Notes

Due to U.S. Government space technology export controls (ITAR), candidates applying to U.S.-based positions must meet citizenship or residency criteria or be eligible for required U.S. government authorizations. For New Zealand office roles, background checks including nationality verification are conducted in accordance with ITAR regulations. Eligibility to access regulated equipment and data requires citizenship or nationality of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or NATO countries. Candidates with ineligible dual citizenship may be excluded.

Equal Opportunity

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. The company maintains a supportive work environment emphasizing mutual respect and shared commitment to excellence.