Senior Spacecraft Ops Engineer: Automation & Mission Design

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own operations across a growing fleet, from LEO to deep space missions. You will shape automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry, collaborating with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design experts.

You’ll turn ambitious ideas into reality, operating spacecraft and developing flight software with a focus on reliability and performance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering field
• 4+ years 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 (Python, C++, or similar)
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal)
• Solid grasp of orbital mechanics, space environment, and dynamics
• Thrives 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

Spacecraft operations

Python

C++

Orbital mechanics

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/systems/software engineering or other engineering

Tools

Git

CI/CD

HITL testing

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own operations across a growing fleet, from LEO to deep space missions. You will shape automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry, collaborating with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design experts.

You’ll turn ambitious ideas into reality, operating spacecraft and developing flight software with a focus on reliability and performance in a fast-paced environment.