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.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SPACE SYSTEMS
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.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions
SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER I/II
Based on site at our Littleton, CO site the Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/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.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Engineer I or Engineer II level)
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 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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- 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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER II:
- 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
THESE 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 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 integrate software and hardware systems
- TS/SCI Clearance
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
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.
Important information:
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. Learn more about ITAR here.
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 laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
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.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- Experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command and control, or spacecraft operations
- Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems (attitude determination and control, electrical power systems, space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling, 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)
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements / ITAR constraints
- 2+ years of direct experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command and control, or spacecraft operations (required for Engineer II level)
- Master's or PhD in engineering
- 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
- Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing familiarity
- TS/SCI clearance
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options are offered, including a company‑sponsored HSA plan option and supportive ancillary benefits. These elements portray comprehensive healthcare support for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase program with discounted share access and a look‑back feature, alongside eligibility for equity, is presented as a strong component of total rewards. This structure can meaningfully augment cash pay for those who value long‑term upside.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and paid parental leave are included. These provisions indicate a complete time‑off offering for a midsize aerospace employer.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
