Operations Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SPACE SYSTEMS Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defence sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions. OPERATIONS ENGINEER II Based at our Auckland Production Complex as an Operations Engineer, you’ll take ownership of spacecraft operations across a diverse and growing fleet - from LEO constellations to deep space exploration missions. You won’t just operate spacecraft - you’ll design how they’re operated, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept to re-entry. You’ll collaborate with world-class engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design - turning ambitious ideas into reality, fast. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Command and operate spacecraft with automation at the core Develop and test ground and flight software for long-term missions Build robust operational scripts and telemetry/FDIR configurations Lead validation using simulation tools (HITL, flatsat) Support spacecraft through integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit life Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and performance WHAT SETS YOU APART: You’re not just technically strong - you’re decisive, curious, and solutions-focused. You tackle complex engineering problems and find a path forward You own your work end-to-end and deliver under pressure You communicate clearly, challenge respectfully, and collaborate deeply You think in systems, balance risk, and optimise for real-world outcomes YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree 3+ years of experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations Background in mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations/command Familiarity with Linux systems and software development experience, such as Python, C++, or other high-level languages Strong understanding of spacecraft systems (ADCS, power, comms, C&DH, thermal) Solid grasp of orbital mechanics, space environment,…