Spacecraft Ops Engineer - Lead Missions & Automation

Segment (Twilio); Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to operate and design spacecraft operations for LEO constellations and deep‑space missions, based at the Auckland Production Complex.

You will command spacecraft, develop and test ground and flight software, create telemetry/FDIR configurations, and lead validation with HITL and flatsat, while driving continuous improvement of systems and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems or spacecraft operations.
• Background in mission design or spacecraft operations/command.
• Experience with Linux and programming 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.
• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, multi‑priority environments.

Responsibilities

• Command and operate spacecraft, integrating automation throughout.
• Develop and test ground and flight software for long‑term missions.
• Create 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 of systems, processes and performance.

Skills

Linux

Python

C++

Orbital mechanics

Spacecraft systems knowledge

Mission design

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or related field

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud

HITL testing

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer to operate and design spacecraft operations for LEO constellations and deep‑space missions, based at the Auckland Production Complex.

You will command spacecraft, develop and test ground and flight software, create telemetry/FDIR configurations, and lead validation with HITL and flatsat, while driving continuous improvement of systems and processes.