Spacecraft Operations Engineer

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems.
The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world.
Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future.
Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
SPACE SYSTEMS Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA's Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon.
Then we became just the second company to successfully complete reentry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time.
Soon we're going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.
We manufacture single bespoke satellites for highly complex missions, through to entire constellations.
And we're unique in offering vertical integration with our in-house satellite components too.
This means we can move fast, design and build components exactly the way we want them, and constantly innovate.
Our Space Systems team does the impossible, taking on the most challenging and rewarding missions - and we're only just getting started! This role offers a rare opportunity to be part of our growing team.
You will collaborate with exceptionally talented and dedicated people, pushing boundaries, and reshaping what is possible - together.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
You will support the global Spacecraft Operations team that are responsible for maintaining the health and safety of Rocket Lab's growing fleet of spacecraft and ensuring that mission objectives and SLAs are met.
The missions are very diverse with operations on Rocket Lab's PHOTON satellite bus for customers with diverse payloads and roles.
From LEO on-orbit manufacturing to deep space/interplanetary missions; LEO constellations; LEO RPO; Re-entry operations; through to supporting the commissioning and orbit raising phases to meet our customer's CONOPS.
The Spacecraft Operations team works closely with related teams, such as spacecraft design, AIT, flight software, Propulsion, GNC, mission design, and SW 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.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor's or Master's degree (or higher) in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, with 3+ years of aerospace/satellite development experience
OR a Master's degree (or greater) with applied space internships and 1+ year of applied space operations work experience, OR 2+ years of applied space operations work experience
Direct experience in any of the following:
space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control or spacecraft operations
Understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
Software development (Python/Ruby/C/C++/other high-level languages)
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
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Exposure to modern development practices - GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure
Prior experience in satellite system design
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing
Prior experience in satellite ground systems
The opportunity to work on innovative and ground-breaking technology
Relocation support and visa sponsorship
An employee stock purchase program
Access to world leading experts to develop your career
Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
Additional parental leave entitlements
A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year
If the above sounds like you apply now!
WHAT TO EXPECT We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task.
It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible.
Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace.
We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small.
We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S.
Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S.
citizen, lawful U.S.
permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.
as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.
Department of State and/or the U.S.
Department of Commerce, as applicable.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.
These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
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