Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Ground Operations

Segment (Twilio); Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Senior Software Engineer – Spacecraft Ground Operations to drive mission-critical ground software for spacecraft ranging from LEO to interplanetary missions. Join our Space Systems team in shaping operations for the next generation of satellites.

You will build full-stack applications, support live missions, lead Scrum activities, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating across disciplines to deliver reliable software for space missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
• Minimum 5 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong Python backend and TypeScript frontend capabilities.
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, SQL, and Linux.

Responsibilities

• Develop mission-critical ground software for spacecraft command and data handling, automation, and visualization.
• Build full-stack web applications including database schema design, back-end services, front-end interfaces, and machine-to-machine communications.
• Support live spacecraft operations with on-call technical expertise during critical mission phases.
• Architect scalable ground software systems adaptable to diverse mission requirements.
• Lead Scrum activities, conduct code reviews, approve software architectures, and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Python (async backend)

TypeScript (Angular/React/Vue)

SQL & RDBMS

Docker & Kubernetes

Cloud experience

Linux

Unit / integration testing

Agile Scrum leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering/CS/EE

Tools

REST APIs

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

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.

About Space Systems at Rocket Lab

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 defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

Senior Software Engineer – Spacecraft Ground Operations

As a Senior Software Engineer – Spacecraft Ground Operations at Rocket Lab, you'll be at the forefront of space mission operations, developing critical ground software for spacecraft ranging from LEO to interplanetary missions. Join our dynamic team in Auckland and help shape the future of space exploration.

What You'll Get to Do

• Develop mission‑critical operations software for spacecraft command and data handling, automation, and visualization across LEO, re‑entry, interplanetary, and proximity operations missions.
• Build full‑stack web applications including database schema design, back‑end services, front‑end interfaces, and machine‑to‑machine communications for spacecraft operations.
• Support live spacecraft operations by providing on‑call technical expertise during critical mission phases and participating in ground‑based test campaigns.
• Architect scalable software solutions by designing and evolving versatile ground software systems that can adapt to diverse and complex mission requirements.
• Lead technical initiatives including facilitating scrum activities, conducting code reviews, approving software architectures, and mentoring junior engineers on best practices.

You'll Bring These Qualifications

• Strong educational foundation with a tertiary qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar discipline, plus minimum 5 years of professional experience.
• Full‑stack development expertise with proficiency in Python for async backend development and TypeScript with modern frameworks (Angular, React, or Vue) for frontend applications.
• Database and infrastructure knowledge including RDBMS design and SQL, containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud provider experience, and Linux proficiency for development and production environments.
• Testing and quality focus as a proponent of unit, integration, and end‑to‑end testing methodologies with experience implementing comprehensive test coverage.
• Collaborative leadership skills with experience in Agile scrum methodologies, ability to lead technical meetings, and a positive team‑player attitude that fosters cross‑functional collaboration.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• Distributed systems experience with third‑party integrations including metrics collection, message brokers, and time series databases (e.g., InfluxDB).
• DevOps proficiency with understanding of CI/CD pipelines and experience creating clean REST APIs for system integration.
• Network programming skills including experience with TCP, WebSockets, and real‑time communication protocols.
• Aerospace industry background with experience in satellite operations, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and mission design documentation.
• Advanced system design experience in building highly available, fault‑tolerant systems that support critical space mission operations.

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. 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 [e-mail]. Mandatory mandatory mandatory whether mandatory mandatory.