Spacecraft Operations Engineer II​/Senior

Spacecraft Operations Engineer II/Senior – Secret Clearance (Long Beach, CA)

• Leverage automation 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 continuous integration and testing of operational code.
• Ensure on‑call or shift availability for operations.
• Develop test methods and data analysis.
• Develop interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documents.
• Run validation against spacecraft simulation tools: flat
  
  Sat, 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 creation and disposition.
• Provide program and product support to team leads and program managers and be a key technical interface between the Auckland, NZ and Long Beach, USA engineering teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline).
• 2+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command and control, or spacecraft operations.
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their 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++, or other high‑level languages).
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS eligibility.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline).
• 5+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command and control, or spacecraft operations.
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their 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++, or other high‑level languages).
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS eligibility.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering.
• Prior experience in spacecraft operations, satellite system design, or satellite ground systems.
• Exposure to modern development practices – GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure.
• Experience with Software‑in‑The‑Loop (SIL) testing and Hardware‑in‑The‑Loop (HIL) testing.
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $86,000 – $125,000 USD

• Top‑tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave, disability insurance, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, and food & drinks.
• Other company discounts.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local…