Spacecraft Operations Engineer Pipeline

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 e...

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, 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 they’re operated, shaping automation, software...

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

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
3+ 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.