About the Job
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 tracker...
Based at our Auckland Production Complex as a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer, you’ll 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 they’re operated, shaping automati...
You’ll collaborate with world-class engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design - turning ambitious ideas into reality, fast.
Key Responsibilities
Command and operate spacecraft with automation at the core
Develop and test ground and flight software for long-term missions
Build robust operational scripts and telemetry/FDIR configurations
Lead validation using simulation tools (HITL, flatsat)
Support spacecraft through integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit life
Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and performance
You’re not just technically strong - you’re decisive, curious, and solutions-focused.
You tackle complex engineering problems and find a path forward
You own your work end-to-end and deliver under pressure
You communicate clearly, challenge respectfully, and collaborate deeply
You think in systems, balance risk, and optimise for real-world outcomes
Required Skills & Abilities
Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
4+ years of experience in any of the following: 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 and software development experience, such as Python, C++, or other high-level languages
Strong 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
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
This isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to help build spacecraft that go further, operate smarter, and achieve more than ever before.
Qualifications
Experience:
4 years experience
Education:
Bachelor
