Operations Engineer II

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jora New Zealand in Auckland is seeking an experienced Operations Engineer II to own spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet, from LEO constellations to deep space missions. You will help design how they're operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry.

You will collaborate with world-class engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design to turn ambitious ideas into reality, fast.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 3+ years in space mission design, satellite subsystems, or related spacecraft operations.
• Experience with mission design and operation/command is preferred.
• Proficiency in Python or C++ and Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate spacecraft with automated systems and contribute to mission operations.
• Develop and test ground and flight software for long-duration missions.
• Create robust operational scripts and telemetry/FDIR configurations.
• Lead validation using simulation tools (HITL, flatsat).
• Support spacecraft from integration through launch and on-orbit life.
• Drive continuous improvements across systems and processes.

Skills

Space mission design

Satellite subsystems

Ground systems

Python

C++

Linux

Orbital mechanics

Problem solving

Education

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

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Based at our Auckland Production Complex as an Operations Engineer II, 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
• 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

These qualifications would be nice to have:

• 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.