Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I

Responsibilities

• Leverage automation and software-driven solutions for spacecraft operations
• Design, develop, and test ground software and scripting for automated operations
• Develop flight software sequences, FDIR, and telemetry configurations
• Maintain continuous integration and testing of operational code
• Support on-call shifts and mission operations
• Develop test methods, data analysis, interface specifications, and CONOPS
• Run validation against spacecraft simulation tools like flatsat and HITL
• Support AIT teams during integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL)
• Perform requirements validation and verification for subsystems and missions
• Provide technical interface support between global engineering teams

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or similar)
• 5+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ADCS, EPS, communications, C&DH, thermal)
• Understanding of orbital mechanics, space environment, and rigid body dynamics
• Software development experience in Python, Ruby, C, or C++
• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a technical engineering discipline
• Prior experience in spacecraft operations or satellite system design
• Experience with satellite ground systems
• Exposure to modern development practices (GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure)
• Experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing
• TS/SCI Clearance

About the Company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components to open access to space.