Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

Support AIT teams across multiple spacecraft integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL)Perform requirements validation and verification for subsystems and spacecraft missionsGenerate and maintain requirements for spacecraft Missions including the creation and dispositionProvide program and product support to team leads and program managers and be a key technical interface between the Auckland, NZ, Littleton, CO, and Long Beach, CA USA engineering teamsYou'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)2+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control or spacecraft operationsUnderstanding 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 controlUnderstanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamicsSoftware development experience (Python/Ruby/C/C++/other high-level languages)U.S. 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 executionDesign, develop and test ground software for long term space operations: ground scripting for robust and automated opsDesign, develop and test flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configuration to ensure spacecraft health and fault management through software-driven processesMaintain the continuous integration and testing of our operational codeEnsure the on-call or shifts of operationsDevelop test methods and data analysisDevelop interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documentsRun validation against spacecraft simulation tools: flatsat, HITL, etc.

Spacecraft Operations Engineer IIBased on site at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Spacecraft Operations Engineer II is responsible for managing the health, safety, and performance of a growing fleet of satellites to meet mission objectives for commercial and government customers. This role involves supporting various mission phases, including commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and re-entry, across diverse mission types such as satellite constellations, interplanetary exploration, and orbital rendezvous. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including spacecraft design, software, propulsion, and ground systems, to enhance satellite and ground-based capabilities.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 executionDesign, develop and test ground software for long term space operations: ground scripting for robust and automated opsDesign, develop and test flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configuration to ensure spacecraft health and fault management through software-driven processesMaintain the continuous integration and testing of our operational codeEnsure the on-call or shifts of operationsDevelop test methods and data analysisDevelop interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documentsRun 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 missionsGenerate and maintain requirements for spacecraft Missions including the creation and dispositionProvide program and product support to team leads and program managers and be a key technical interface between the Auckland, NZ, Littleton, CO, and Long Beach, CA USA engineering teamsYou'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)2+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control or spacecraft operationsUnderstanding 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 controlUnderstanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamicsSoftware development experience (Python/Ruby/C/C++/other high-level languages)U.S. citizenship required due to program requirementsThese 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 operationsPrior experience in satellite system designPrior experience in satellite ground systemsExposure to modern development practices – GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructureSoftware-in-the-Loop (SIL) Testing: Exposure to testing frameworks that simulate software behavior in operational environmentsHardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Familiarity with testing frameworks that integrate software and hardware systemsTS/SCI Clearance