Operations Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an integrated space business that delivers launch services, spacecraft engineering and manufacturing, payloads, satellite hardware, and related capabilities to expand access to space. Its rockets and spacecraft support a wide range of missions, including scientific research, Earth observation, climate-focused initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations.

The Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has taken more than 230 satellites to orbit. The company is also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle intended for larger constellation deployments. Within Space Systems, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems

The Space Systems organisation covers the full range of Rocket Lab’s satellite and satellite-component work, from complete spacecraft for lunar and Martian missions to individual subsystems such as solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation systems, and radios. The team includes engineers, technicians, and designers who build spacecraft and supporting hardware and software for commercial, government, and defence missions.

Role Overview

As an Operations Engineer II based at the Auckland Production Complex, you will own spacecraft operations across a broad and expanding fleet, spanning low Earth orbit constellations through to deep-space exploration missions. This role goes beyond day-to-day operations: you will also help shape how spacecraft are operated by influencing automation, software, and mission outcomes from the early concept stage through to re-entry.

You will work closely with specialists in propulsion, flight software, guidance, navigation and control, and mission design, helping convert complex ideas into practical results at speed.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate spacecraft with a strong emphasis on automation and command execution.
• Create and validate ground and flight software that supports long-duration missions.
• Develop dependable operational scripts and telemetry and fault detection, isolation and recovery configurations.
• Carry out validation work using simulation environments such as hardware-in-the-loop and flatsat setups.
• Support spacecraft throughout integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations.
• Continuously improve systems, workflows, and overall performance.

What You Bring

• A practical, solution-oriented approach to complex engineering challenges.
• The ability to make sound decisions and move work forward under pressure.
• Strong ownership of work from start to finish.
• Clear communication, respectful challenge, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
• A systems mindset with the ability to evaluate risk and focus on real-world outcomes.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, software engineering, or another engineering discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations.
• Hands-on background in spacecraft mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft command and operations.
• Working knowledge of Linux systems and software development experience in Python, C++, or similar high-level languages.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems such as ADCS, power, communications, command and data handling, and thermal systems.
• Good grasp of orbital mechanics, the space environment, and dynamics.
• Ability to perform well in fast-moving environments with multiple competing priorities.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• A postgraduate qualification in aerospace engineering.
• Previous exposure to spacecraft operations, satellite design, or ground systems.
• Experience using modern development tools such as Git, CI/CD, or cloud platforms.
• Background in hardware-in-the-loop testing.

What To Expect

Rocket Lab describes its environment as one built around hard work, determination, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and a strong commitment to solving difficult problems. Teams are expected to support one another, keep egos in check, and stay hands-on across both major and minor tasks. The work pace is fast, deadlines are tight, and the focus remains on delivering results.

Important Information

United States Candidates

For roles in U.S. offices, employment is subject to U.S. government export control regulations, including ITAR. Eligible candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise able to obtain the required authorisations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. Applicants in the United States who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact the designated support contact listed in the source.

New Zealand Candidates

For roles in New Zealand offices, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because access to regulated equipment and data is required under U.S. ITAR rules. Candidates may be ineligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if they have an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.