Spacecraft Operations Engineer II — Automation & Command

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is hiring an Operations Engineer II to own spacecraft operations across a diverse fleet, from LEO constellations to deep space missions. You’ll design how spacecraft are operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re‑entry.

You’ll collaborate with world‑class engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design – turning ambitious ideas into reality, quickly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software or other engineering field.
• 3+ years in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Experience with Linux and programming in Python or C++.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems: ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal.
• Solid grasp of orbital mechanics, space environment, and dynamics.
• Ability to work 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++

Linux

Orbital mechanics

ADCS

Education

Bachelors in aerospace/Systems/Software

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland is hiring an Operations Engineer II to own spacecraft operations across a diverse fleet, from LEO constellations to deep space missions. You’ll design how spacecraft are operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re‑entry.

You’ll collaborate with world‑class engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design – turning ambitious ideas into reality, quickly.