Spacecraft Operations Engineer II/Senior

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO

401(k) retirement plan with company match

3 weeks paid vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocketlab is searching for a Spacecraft Operations Engineer II/Senior in Long Beach, CA. This role involves leveraging automation for spacecraft operations and developing ground software to ensure efficient mission execution.

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and experience in satellite subsystems or spacecraft operations. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical plans and paid leave.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems, orbital mechanics, and rigid‑body dynamics.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Operate spacecraft with a focus on software-driven solutions for mission execution.
• Design and test ground and flight software for space operations.
• Ensure availability for operations and maintain operational code.

Skills

Python

Ruby

C

C++

Automation

System design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering

Job description

Spacecraft Operations Engineer II/Senior – Secret Clearance (Long Beach, CA)

Responsibilities

• Leverage automation to operate spacecraft, focusing on software-driven solutions for efficient and reliable mission execution.
• Design, develop, and test ground software for long-term space operations: ground scripting for robust and automated ops.
• Design, develop, and test flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configuration to ensure spacecraft health and fault management through software-driven processes.
• Maintain continuous integration and testing of operational code.
• Ensure on‑call or shift availability for operations.
• Develop test methods and data analysis.
• Develop interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documents.
• Run validation against spacecraft simulation tools: flatSat, HITL, etc.
• Support AIT teams across multiple spacecraft integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL).
• Perform requirements validation and verification for subsystems and spacecraft missions.
• Generate and maintain requirements for spacecraft missions, including creation and disposition.
• Provide program and product support to team leads and program managers and be a key technical interface between the Auckland, NZ and Long Beach, USA engineering teams.

Qualifications – Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering 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 their components, including attitude determination and control, spacecraft electrical power systems, space–ground communications, on‑orbit command and data handling, and thermal control.
• Understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid‑body dynamics.
• Software development experience (Python, Ruby, C, C++, or other high‑level languages).
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS eligibility.

Qualifications – Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline).
• 5+ 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 their components, including attitude determination and control, spacecraft electrical power systems, space–ground communications, on‑orbit command and data handling, and thermal control.
• Understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid‑body dynamics.
• Software development experience (Python, Ruby, C, C++, or other high‑level languages).
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS eligibility.

Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering.
• Prior experience in spacecraft operations, satellite system design, or satellite ground systems.
• Exposure to modern development practices – GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure.
• Experience with Software‑in‑The‑Loop (SIL) testing and Hardware‑in‑The‑Loop (HIL) testing.
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $86,000 – $125,000 USD

Benefits

• Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave, disability insurance, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, and food & drinks.
• Other company discounts.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in U.S. Offices Only

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities as described above.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices Only

Background checks will include nationality checks as the position requires access to equipment and data regulated by ITAR. Eligible candidates must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, and cannot hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.

Accommodations

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. Responses may take up to two business days.