Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer: Automation & Flight Software

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II to ensure health, safety, and optimal performance of a growing satellite fleet. Responsibilities include commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and potential re-entry phases across commercial and government missions.

The role interfaces with design, AIT, flight software, propulsion, GNC, and ground software teams to improve both ground and satellite capabilities. On-site at Rocket Lab HQ in Long Beach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical discipline).
• 5+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command/ control or operations.
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems (attitude, power, comms, data handling, thermal).
• Understanding of space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics.
• Software development experience (Python, Ruby, C,/C++, or similar).
• Ability to obtain and maintain US security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leverage automation to operate spacecraft with software-driven mission execution.
• Design, develop and test ground software for long-term space operations.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Ruby

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II to ensure health, safety, and optimal performance of a growing satellite fleet. Responsibilities include commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and potential re-entry phases across commercial and government missions.

The role interfaces with design, AIT, flight software, propulsion, GNC, and ground software teams to improve both ground and satellite capabilities. On-site at Rocket Lab HQ in Long Beach.