Spacecraft Operations Engineer — Automation & Missions

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer based in Auckland to own spacecraft operations across a diverse 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 teams.

You will design how spacecraft are operated, develop ground and flight software, and lead validation using simulation tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or related engineering field.
• 5+ years in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Experience with mission design, satellite subsystems, or spacecraft operations/command.
• Proficiency with Linux and software development (Python, C++, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft systems: ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal.

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

Space mission design

Satellite subsystems

Ground systems

Spacecraft operations

Python

C++

Linux

ADCS

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Python

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer based in Auckland to own spacecraft operations across a diverse 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 teams.

You will design how spacecraft are operated, develop ground and flight software, and lead validation using simulation tools.