Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Ground Operations

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our Spacecraft Ground Operations team in Auckland. You will develop mission-critical ground software for spacecraft from LEO to interplanetary missions, spanning backend, frontend, and data handling systems.

You will lead agile scrum initiatives, mentor engineers, and design scalable architectures to meet diverse mission requirements while supporting live operations and ground test campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in software/engineering.
• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Experience with Python async backend development.
• Frontend frameworks: Angular, React, or Vue.
• Docker, Kubernetes, Linux in dev/prod environments.
• Strong testing discipline and test coverage.
• Experience with Agile scrum and leadership in teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop mission-critical operations software for spacecraft command and data handling.
• Build full-stack web applications with databases, back-end services, and front-end interfaces.
• Support live spacecraft operations with on-call support during critical phases.
• Architect scalable ground software adaptable to diverse mission requirements.
• Lead technical initiatives including scrum facilitation, code reviews, and mentoring.

Skills

Python

TypeScript

Angular

React

Vue

SQL

Docker

Kubernetes

Linux

Agile Scrum

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelors in software eng

Tools

PostgreSQL

CI/CD

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.

Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Ground Operations

Senior Spacecraft Operations Ground Software Engineer

As a Senior Spacecraft Operations Ground Software Engineer 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

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 in 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.