Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 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 5+ 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 experien…