Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer - Automation & On-Orbit Ops

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own spacecraft operations across a diverse fleet, from LEO constellations to deep space missions. You’ll shape automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry, collaborating with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design teams.

You’ll design how spacecraft are operated, develop and test ground and flight software, build robust scripts, and lead validation using simulation tools (HITL,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
• 4+ years of experience in 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

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

Aerospace degree

Space mission design

Satellite subsystems

Ground systems

Spacecraft operations

Linux

Python

C++

Orbital mechanics

Fast-paced

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or related

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

HITL testing

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own spacecraft operations across a diverse fleet, from LEO constellations to deep space missions. You’ll shape automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry, collaborating with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design teams.

You’ll design how spacecraft are operated, develop and test ground and flight software, build robust scripts, and lead validation using simulation tools (HITL,