Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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.

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.

Based at our Littleton, CO site, 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.

• 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, Littleton, CO, and Long Beach, CA USA engineering teams.

• 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 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).
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

• 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…