Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II

About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Space Systems At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II Based on site at our Littleton, CO site the Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II is responsible for managing the health, safety, and performance of a growing fleet of satellites to meet mission objectives for commercial and government customers. This role involves supporting various mission phases, including commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and re‑entry, across diverse mission types such as satellite constellations, interplanetary exploration, and orbital rendezvous. The position requires close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including spacecraft design, software, propulsion, and ground systems, to enhance satellite and ground‑based capabilities. What You’ll Get To Do Leverage automation as a key enabler 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 the continuous integration and testing of our operational code Ensure the on‑call or shift 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 the creation and disposition Provide program and product support to team leads and program managers and be a key technical interface between the Auckland, NZ, Littleton, CO, and Long Beach, CA USA engineering teams Qualifications – Engineer I Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline) Experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control or spacecraft operations Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated 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++/other high‑level languages) U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements Qualifications – Engineer II Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline) 2+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control or spacecraft operations Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated 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++/other high‑level languages) U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements Nice to Have Qualifications Master’s or PhD engineering in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline) Prior experience in spacecraft operations Prior experience in satellite system design Prior experience in satellite ground systems Exposure to modern development practices – GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) Testing: Exposure to testing frameworks that simulate software behavior in operational environments Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) Testing: Familiarity with testing frameworks that integrate software and hardware systems TS/SCI Clearance This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Compensation and Benefits Base Pay Range (CO Only): $82,000 USD – $118,000 USD. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. Additional compensation may include company stock, cash incentives, and a discounted stock purchase program. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Important Information – US Offices 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 be 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 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. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on click.appcast.io. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. Important Information – New Zealand Offices For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rocket Lab