Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I

Job Description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I to join their Space Systems team in Littleton, CO. This role focuses on the operations development and on-orbit operations of Rocket Lab’s Photon satellites. The engineer will support the Spacecraft Operations Lead and team in maintaining the health and safety of the spacecraft fleet and ensuring mission objectives are met. Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab. They design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.What this role involves:

• Working with launch operations, subsystem engineers, and flight software teams.
• Communicating effectively and highlighting successes.
• Supporting spacecraft testing, launch windows, and on-orbit operations.
• Developing automated processes for spacecraft operation.
• Participating in forward planning and incident response.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
• 5+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations
• Exposure to modern development practices such as git, CI/CD, and cloud infrastructure
• Familiarity with Linux systems and software development experience (Python, Ruby, C, C++)

Rocket Lab offers:

• Company stock options
• Cash incentives
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Paid parental leave