Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical HMO

Flexible spending accounts

Onsite gym

Job summary

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, CA, is hiring a Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II to manage the health and performance of satellites. The role includes operating spacecraft, designing software, and providing operational support.

This position requires a Bachelor's in engineering and experience in space mission design, with a salary range of $82,000 – $118,000 USD plus comprehensive benefits like medical coverage and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical discipline).
• Experience in space mission design and operations.
• Knowledge of space environment and dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Operate spacecraft using automation for mission execution.
• Design ground and flight software sequences.
• Provide on-call support for operations.

Skills

Software development experience (Python, Ruby, C, C++)

Understanding of spacecraft subsystems

Knowledge of orbital mechanics

Experience in space mission design

U.S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II

Based at our Long Beach, CA site, this role manages the health, safety, and performance of a growing fleet of satellites. The position involves supporting mission phases such as commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and re‑entry across diverse mission types, including satellite constellations, interplanetary exploration, and orbital rendezvous.

Responsibilities

• Operate spacecraft using automation and software‑driven solutions for efficient and reliable mission execution.
• Design, develop, and test ground software and flight software sequences, including FDIR/telemetry configuration, to ensure spacecraft health and fault management.
• Maintain continuous integration and testing of operational code.
• Provide on‑call or shift support for operations.
• Develop test methods and data analysis.
• Write interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documents.
• Run validation against spacecraft simulation tools (flatsat, HITL, etc.).
• Support AIT teams across integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL).
• Perform requirements validation and verification for subsystems and missions.
• Generate and maintain requirements for spacecraft missions, including creation and disposition.
• Act as a key technical interface between Auckland, NZ; Littleton, CO; and Long Beach, CA engineering teams.

Qualifications – Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical discipline).
• Experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command and control, or spacecraft operations.
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and components, including attitude determination and control, electrical power, space‑ground communications, on‑orbit command and data handling, and thermal control.
• Knowledge of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics.
• Software development experience (Python, Ruby, C, C++, or other high‑level languages).
• U.S. citizenship required.

Qualifications – Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical discipline).
• 2+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command and control, or spacecraft operations.
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and components.
• Knowledge of space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics.
• Software development experience (Python, Ruby, C, C++, or other high‑level languages).
• U.S. citizenship required.

Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in engineering.
• Prior spacecraft operations experience.
• Prior satellite system design experience.
• Prior satellite ground systems experience.
• Exposure to modern development practices – GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure.
• Experience with Software‑in‑the‑Loop testing.
• Experience with Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop testing.
• TS/SCI clearance.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $82,000 – $118,000 USD. Compensation also includes company equity and a benefits package: top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, 100% company‑sponsored HSA, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Additional perks include discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, and more.

Important Information – U.S. Office

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or otherwise eligible for required authorizations. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination of any type.

Important Information – New Zealand Office

Applicants must hold citizenship in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, and be eligible under U.S. export regulations. Background checks will include nationality checks.

Software development position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes.