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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer to ensure the health, safety, and optimal performance of a growing fleet of satellites across diverse missions including LEO constellations, interplanetary exploration, LEO rendezvous, and Space Development Agency deployments. Based at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will be responsible for commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and re-entry phases while meeting mission objectives and SLAs for commercial and government customers.
Key responsibilities include designing and developing ground software for long-term space operations with a focus on automation and software-driven solutions. You will develop and test flight software sequences, FDIR/telemetry configurations, and maintain continuous integration and testing of operational code. The role involves developing test methods, data analysis, interface specifications, and CONOPS documentation. You will run validation against spacecraft simulation tools (flatsat, HITL) and support AIT teams across multiple spacecraft integrated tests including TVAC, propulsion stack, and DITL.
Additional duties include performing requirements validation and verification for subsystems and spacecraft missions, generating and maintaining mission requirements, and providing technical support to program managers. You will serve as a key technical interface between Rocket Lab's Auckland, NZ and Long Beach engineering teams, working closely with spacecraft design, flight software, propulsion, GNC, flight dynamics, and ground software development teams.
The position offers unique exposure to vertically integrated space operations, where the majority of technical products are supplied in-house. You will participate in on-call or shift operations and contribute to continuous improvement of ground and satellite-based capabilities.
For Senior Engineer I: 5+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control, or spacecraft operations. For Senior Engineer II: 8+ years of equivalent experience. Both levels require a Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or related discipline), understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ADCS, EPS, space-ground communications, C&DH, thermal control), knowledge of space environment and orbital mechanics, software development experience (Python/Ruby/C/C++), and ability to obtain and maintain US Security clearance.
