Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

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 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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. Spacecraft Operations Engineer II Based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, this role 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 operational code Ensure on‑call or shift operations Develop test methods and data analysis Develop interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documents 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 You’ll Bring These Qualifications 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++, or other high‑level languages) U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have Master’s or Ph.D. engineering in a relevant 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 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rocket Lab