Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

Rocket Lab USA • Littleton, CO

79d • $147,000 - $196,000

About The Position

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. The Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer II is responsible for the operations development and on-orbit operations of Rocket Lab's Photon satellites. You will support the Spacecraft Operations Lead and the Spacecraft Operations team who are responsible for 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.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree.
• 8+ years of experience in any of the following: 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.

Nice To Haves

• Active TS/SCI Clearance.
• Prior experience in spacecraft operations.
• Prior experience in satellite command and control.
• Knowledge and experience with satellite ground systems.

Responsibilities

• Works 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.
• Communicates frequently and effectively, highlighting success and learning from failures.
• Support rigorous/challenging schedules during spacecraft ground-based testing, launch windows, and on-orbit operations.
• Develops automated processes to operate spacecraft.
• Strong communication skills and constructive participation in forward planning and incident response.

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree