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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer (I or II level) to join its Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. This role is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and optimal performance of Rocket Lab's growing fleet of satellites while meeting mission objectives and SLAs for commercial and government customers. You will support diverse missions including LEO constellations, interplanetary exploration, LEO rendezvous, and Space Development Agency deployments.
Key responsibilities include designing and developing ground software for long-term space operations with a focus on automation and software-driven solutions. You will design, develop, and test flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configurations to ensure spacecraft health and fault management. The role involves maintaining continuous integration and testing of operational code, performing on-call or shift operations, and developing test methods and data analysis.
You will run validation against spacecraft simulation tools (flatsat, HITL), support AIT teams across multiple spacecraft integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL), and perform requirements validation and verification for subsystems and spacecraft missions. Additional responsibilities include generating and maintaining requirements for spacecraft missions, developing interface specifications and CONOPS documents, and providing technical support to program managers and team leads. You will serve as a key technical interface between Rocket Lab's Auckland, NZ and Long Beach engineering teams.
For Senior Engineer I: Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or related discipline) with 5+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control, or spacecraft operations. You must have understanding of key spacecraft subsystems (ADCS, EPS, space-ground communications, C&DH, thermal control), space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics. Software development experience in Python, Ruby, C, C++, or similar languages required. Ability to obtain and maintain US Security clearance required.
For Senior Engineer II: Bachelor's degree in engineering with 8+ years of direct experience in the same domains. This is a unique opportunity to work across multiple roles and responsibilities with vertically integrated technical products.
