Rocket Lab

Space

SpacecraftOperationsEngineer

$115–155k ~AI est. Auckland, New Zealand
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.

The Brief

“Spacecraft Operations Engineer at Rocket Lab. Skills: Spacecraft operations, Automation, Software development, Mission success. Command and operate spacecraft. Develop ground software”

What You'll Achieve.

Shape automation; Shape software; Shape mission success

Industry & Context.

Space
Problems you'll solve

Complex engineering problems

Eligibility Requirements

Nationality checks, Eligibility for ITAR regulations

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree, 3+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations, Background in mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations/command, Familiarity with Linux systems, Software development experience such as Python, C++, or other high-level languages, Understanding of spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal), Solid grasp of orbital mechanics, space environment, and dynamics, Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, multi-priority environments

Nice to Have

Postgraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Experience in spacecraft ops, satellite design, or ground systems, Familiarity with modern dev tools (Git, CI/CD, cloud), Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing experience

What You'll Do.

Command and operate spacecraft

Develop ground software

Develop flight software

Build operational scripts

Build telemetry configurations

Build FDIR configurations

Lead validation using simulation tools

Support spacecraft through integration

Support spacecraft through testing

Support spacecraft through launch

Support spacecraft through on-orbit life

Drive continuous improvement across systems

Drive continuous improvement across processes

Drive continuous improvement across performance

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Propulsion engineers; Flight software engineers; GNC engineers; Mission design engineers

Communication Scope

Clear communication

Full Job Description

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. 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. SPACE SYSTEMS Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defence sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions. SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER Based at our Auckland Production Complex, a Spacecraft Operations Engineer will take ownership of spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet - from LEO constellations to deep space exploration missions. You won’t just operate spacecraft - you’ll design how

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