Lead Spacecraft Operations Engineer (Secret Clearance)

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO) and

Zero-cost HDHP with HSA

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays (11)

401(k) with company match

Subsidized EV charging

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer in Long Beach, CA. You will lead mission operations, shape automation strategies, and validate requirements for diverse missions, including LEO constellations and interplanetary work.

The role emphasizes software-driven processes, on-console leadership, and close collaboration with multiple engineering teams. You will work on developing flight/software automation, ground software, and operational procedures, while interfacing with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or related).
• 12+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• 5+ years of experience leading teams of engineers through spacecraft missions or aerospace projects.
• US citizenship and active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the program’s mission operations technical lead and set direction for operations teams.
• Define automation strategy and lead software-driven methods for mission operations and data analysis.
• Own mission operations requirements and lead validation/verification for spacecraft missions.
• Collaborate with NZ and USA engineering teams to ensure robust, scalable operations.

Skills

Spacecraft operations

Python

GNC

ADCS

Command and data handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Jira

SIL

HIL

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer in Long Beach, CA. You will lead mission operations, shape automation strategies, and validate requirements for diverse missions, including LEO constellations and interplanetary work.

The role emphasizes software-driven processes, on-console leadership, and close collaboration with multiple engineering teams. You will work on developing flight/software automation, ground software, and operational procedures, while interfacing with