Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER II

Based on site at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Operations Engineer 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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 on‑call or shifts of 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

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‑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++, or other high‑level languages). U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s or PhD engineering. 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 experience. Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) Testing familiarity. TS/SCI Clearance.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Must be physically able to commute to buildings. Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. Base Pay Range (CA Only): $94,000—$118,000 USD.

ITAR AND U.S. CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens or lawful U.S. permanent residents, or otherwise able to obtain the required authorizations. This role requires U.S. citizenship.

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.

ACCOMMODATIONS

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.

NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co