Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Ground Operations

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Software Engineer for Spacecraft Ground Operations to develop critical ground software for missions from LEO to interplanetary. You will join a dynamic team shaping the future of space exploration.

Responsibilities include building mission-critical software, full-stack web apps, and supporting live operations. Requires 5+ years in software, Python, TypeScript, and strong Linux/dockers/kubernetes skills. The role is based in Auckland.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a relevant field with at least 5 years of professional experience.
• Proficient in Python (async) and TypeScript with modern frontend frameworks.
• Strong SQL/RDBMS design, containerization with Docker/Kubernetes, cloud familiarity, and Linux proficiency.
• Experience with unit, integration, and end-to-end testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop mission-critical operations software for spacecraft command and data handling, automation, and visualization across missions.
• Build full-stack web applications including DB schema, back-end services, front-end interfaces, and machine-to-machine communications.
• Support live spacecraft operations with on-call expertise during critical mission phases and ground tests.
• Architect scalable software solutions adaptable to diverse mission requirements.
• Lead technical initiatives including scrum facilitation, code reviews, architecture decisions, and mentoring.

Skills

Python (async backend)

TypeScript (Angular/React/Vue)

SQL & RDBMS

Docker & Kubernetes

Linux

Agile / Scrum

Unit / Integration testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering / CS / EE

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)

REST APIs

WebSockets

Job description

Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Ground Operations

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 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.

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While other companies talk about it, we do it!

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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong educational foundationwith a tertiary qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar discipline, plus minimum 5 years of professional experience
• Full-stack development expertisewith proficiency in Python for async backend development and TypeScript with modern frameworks (Angular, React, or Vue) for frontend applications
• Database and infrastructure knowledgeincluding RDBMS design and SQL, containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud provider experience, and Linux proficiency for development and production environments
• Testing and quality focusas a proponent of unit, integration, and end-to-end testing methodologies with experience implementing comprehensive test coverage
• Collaborative leadership skillswith 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 experiencewith third-party integrations including metrics collection, message brokers, and time series databases (e.g., InfluxDB)
• DevOps proficiencywith understanding of CI/CD pipelines and experience creating clean REST APIs for system integration
• Network programming skillsincluding experience with TCP, WebSockets, and real-time communication protocols
• Aerospace industry backgroundwith experience in satellite operations, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and mission design documentation
• Advanced system design experiencein building highly available, fault-tolerant systems that support critical space mission operations

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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.

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 [e-mail]. 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 here ITAR Regulations.