Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

Segment (Twilio); Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex seeks a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own operations across a growing fleet—from LEO constellations to deep‑space missions. You will design spacecraft operation concepts, shape automation, software, and mission success from concept to re‑entry.

You’ll work with cross‑functional teams, apply Linux and high‑level languages (Python, C++), and bring hands‑on experience in spacecraft subsystems, ADCS, power, communications, and orbital mechanics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering, or another engineering discipline.
• 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

Linux systems

Python

C++

orbital mechanics

spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering, or another engineering discipline

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

HITL testing

Job description

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Space Systems

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defence sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Based at our Auckland Production Complex, you’ll take ownership of spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet – from LEO constellations to deep‑space exploration missions. You’ll design how spacecraft are operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re‑entry.

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

What Sets You Apart

• You’re technically strong, decisive, curious, and solutions‑focused.
• You tackle complex engineering problems and find a path forward.
• You own your work end‑to‑end and deliver under pressure.
• You communicate clearly, challenge respectfully, and collaborate deeply.
• You think in systems, balance risk, and optimise for real‑world outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering, or another engineering discipline
• 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

Nice to Have

• Postgraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering
• Experience in spacecraft ops, satellite design, or ground systems
• Familiarity with modern dev tools (Git, CI/CD, cloud)
• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing experience

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.