Spacecraft Operations Engineer: Lead On-Orbit Automation

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own spacecraft operations across a diverse fleet, from LEO constellations to deep-space missions, and to design how they're operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry.

You’ll collaborate with engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design to turn ambitious ideas into reality, delivering robust operational capability and evolving processes under tight schedules.

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.
• Background in mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations/command.
• Familiarity with Linux systems and software development in 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

Python

C++

Spacecraft systems

Orbital mechanics

Automation

Mission design

Education

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

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to own spacecraft operations across a diverse fleet, from LEO constellations to deep-space missions, and to design how they're operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry.

You’ll collaborate with engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design to turn ambitious ideas into reality, delivering robust operational capability and evolving processes under tight schedules.