Senior Spacecraft Operations Architect

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex seeks a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own spacecraft operations across a growing fleet, from LEO to deep space missions. You’ll design how operations run, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry.

You’ll collaborate with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design engineers to turn ambitious ideas into reality, quickly and safely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or other engineering field.
• 4+ years in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or operations.
• Familiarity with Linux systems and programming in Python/C++ or similar languages.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal).
• Solid knowledge of orbital mechanics and space environment.

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

Spacecraft systems

Linux systems

Orbital mechanics

Python

C++

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or systems engineering

Tools

Python

C++

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex seeks a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own spacecraft operations across a growing fleet, from LEO to deep space missions. You’ll design how operations run, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry.

You’ll collaborate with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design engineers to turn ambitious ideas into reality, quickly and safely.