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Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Operations Engineer II or Senior I to manage the health, safety, and performance of a growing fleet of satellites for commercial and government customers. Based in Littleton, CO, this role spans multiple mission phases including commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and re-entry across diverse mission types such as satellite constellations, interplanetary exploration, and orbital rendezvous.
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 flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configurations to ensure spacecraft health and fault management, maintain continuous integration and testing of operational code, and support on-call operations shifts. The role involves developing test methods, data analysis, interface specifications, and CONOPS documentation.
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. This position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including spacecraft design, software, propulsion, and ground systems, and serves as a key technical interface between Rocket Lab's Auckland, Littleton, and Long Beach engineering teams.
For Engineer II level: Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or related discipline) and 2+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control, or spacecraft operations. For Senior I level: 5+ years of equivalent experience. Both levels require understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ADCS, EPS, space-ground communications, C&DH, thermal control), space environment, orbital mechanics, rigid body dynamics, and software development experience (Python, Ruby, C, C++, or similar). U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain security clearance required.
