Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

3 days ago


Littleton, Colorado, United States Rocket Lab Full time
About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems, providing reliable access to orbit since 2018. Our Electron rocket has become one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world, and our Neutron rocket is set to launch the mega constellations of the future.

Our space systems business includes a wide range of satellites and components that have enabled over 1,700 missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, and Mars Ingenuity helicopter.

Space Systems Team

The Space Systems team at Rocket Lab is responsible for designing, creating, and putting together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors. We build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

The Spacecraft Operations Engineer II will be responsible for the operations development and on-orbit operations of Rocket Lab's Photon satellites. This role will support the Spacecraft Operations Lead and team in maintaining the health and safety of Rocket Lab's growing fleet of spacecraft and ensuring that mission objectives and SLAs are met.

The team's goal is to maximize the value Rocket Lab can create from a constantly changing fleet of diverse spacecraft. The Spacecraft Operations team works closely with related teams, such as spacecraft design, AIT, flight software, etc., to improve both ground and satellite-based capabilities over time.

Key Responsibilities
  • Work with the launch operations team, spacecraft subsystem and systems engineers, flight software, and ground support to build outcomes and products that support the whole team.
  • Communicate frequently and effectively, highlighting success and learning from failures.
  • Support rigorous/challenging schedules during spacecraft ground-based testing, launch windows, and on-orbit operations.
  • Develop automated processes to operate spacecraft.
  • Strong communication skills and constructive participation in forward planning and incident response.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering, or other engineering degree.
  • 2+ 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, such as Python, Ruby, C, C++, or other high-level languages.
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience in spacecraft operations.
  • Prior experience in satellite command and control.
  • Knowledge and experience with satellite ground systems.
Additional Requirements
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $80,000-$120,000 USD. Final agreed-upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive compensation package, including company stock, cash incentives, and employee benefits such as 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.



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