Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

SENIOR SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER I

Based on site at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and optimal performance of a growing fleet of satellites while meeting mission objectives and SLAs for both commercial and government customers. This includes supporting diverse missions such as LEO constellations, interplanetary exploration, LEO rendezvous, and SDA-related deployments. Your expertise would be critical during commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and potentially re-entry phases, ensuring the health and safety of Rocket Lab’s expanding fleet. The Spacecraft Operations team works closely with related teams, such as spacecraft design, AIT, flight software, propulsion, GNC, flight dynamics and ground software development to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities over time.

The space operations experience at Rocket Lab is unique because you will cover a multitude of roles/positions and responsibilities, with the large majority of the technical products being supplied through the vertical integration/in-house.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Leverage automation as a key enabler to operate spacecraft, focusing on software-driven solutions for efficient and reliable mission execution

Design, develop and test ground software for long term space operations: ground scripting for robust and automated ops

Design, develop and test flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configuration to ensure spacecraft health and fault management through software-driven processes

Maintain the continuous integration and testing of our operational code

Ensure the on-call or shifts of operations

Develop test methods and data analysis

Develop interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documents

Run validation against spacecraft simulation tools: flatsat, HITL, etc.

Support AIT teams across multiple spacecraft integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL)

Perform requirements validation and verification for subsystems and spacecraft missions

Generate and maintain requirements for spacecraft Missions including the creation and disposition

Provide program and product support to team leads and program managers and be a key technical interface between the Auckland, NZ and Long Beach, USA engineering teams

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER I:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)

5+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control or spacecraft operations

Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including attitude determination and control, spacecraft electrical power systems, space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling, and thermal control

Understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics

Software development experience (Python/Ruby/C/C++/other high-level languages)

US citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Ability to obtain and maintain US Security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Master’s or PhD engineering in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)

Prior experience in spacecraft operations

Prior experience in satellite system design

Prior experience in satellite ground systems

Exposure to modern development practices – GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure

Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Testing: Exposure to testing frameworks that simulate software behavior in operational environments

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Familiarity with testing frameworks that integrate software and hardware systems

Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$135,475—$194,075 USD

Base Salary

$115,200—$158,400 USD