Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Responsibilities

• Command and operate spacecraft with automation at the core
• Develop and test ground and flight software for long-term missions
• Build robust operational scripts and telemetry/FDIR configurations
• Lead validation using simulation tools (HITL, flatsat)
• Support spacecraft through integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit life
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and performance

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
• 3+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations
• Familiarity with Linux systems and software development (Python, C++, or other high-level languages)
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal)
• Solid grasp of orbital mechanics, space environment, and dynamics
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, multi-priority environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering
• Experience in spacecraft ops, satellite design, or ground systems
• Familiarity with modern dev tools (Git, CI/CD, cloud)
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing experience

About the Company

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