Spacecraft Operations Engineer: Automation & Missions

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HMO/Health benefits

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex seeks an Operations Engineer II to own spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet. You’ll design how spacecraft are operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry, collaborating with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design teams.

You’ll lead development and testing of ground and flight software, create robust telemetry/FDIR configurations, and drive improvements across systems and processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree.
• 3+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Familiarity with Linux systems and software development experience, such as Python, C++, or other high‑level languages.

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

Linux

Python

C++

Spacecraft operations

Orbital mechanics

ADCS

Flight software

Ground systems

Telemetry/FDIR

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

HITL testing

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex seeks an Operations Engineer II to own spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet. You’ll design how spacecraft are operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry, collaborating with propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design teams.

You’ll lead development and testing of ground and flight software, create robust telemetry/FDIR configurations, and drive improvements across systems and processes