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 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 rockethas 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 Labs 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.

YOUR MISSION:

Based at our Auckland Production Complex as a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer youll take ownership of spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet - from LEO constellations to deep space exploration missions. You wont just operate spacecraft - youll design how theyre operated shaping automation software and mission success from concept to re-entry.

Youll collaborate with world-class engineers across propulsion flight software GNC and mission design - turning ambitious ideas into reality fast.

WHAT YOULL 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:

• Youre not just technically strong - youre 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

WHAT YOU BRING:

Essential

• Bachelors 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

Desirable

• 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 isnt just a job. Its 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

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.