Operations Engineer II

Segment (Twilio); Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland seeks an Operations Engineer II to own spacecraft operations across a growing fleet—from LEO to deep space missions. You’ll design how they’re operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry, collaborating with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design engineers.

You will validate with simulations, build ground and flight software, create robust telemetry/FDIR configurations, and support spacecraft through integration,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or another engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Background in mission design and 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.
• Postgraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering (nice to have).
• Experience with modern dev tools (Git, CI/CD, cloud).
• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Linux

Python

C++

Orbital mechanics

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or other engineering degree

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

Job description

Operations Engineer II

Based at our Auckland Production Complex, you’ll take ownership of spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet—from LEO constellations to deep space exploration missions. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• Technically strong with decisive, curious, solutions‑focused mindset
• Approach complex engineering problems and find a path forward
• Own work end‑to‑end and deliver under pressure
• Communicate clearly, challenge respectfully, and collaborate deeply
• Think in systems, balance risk, and optimise for real‑world outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or other engineering degree
• 3+ 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

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.