Spacecraft Operations Engineer I

About Rocket Lab

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Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega-constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

 

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 defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

 

SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER I

 

Based on site at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California the Spacecraft Operations Engineer 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. The Spacecraft Operations team also works closely with related teams, such as the spacecraft design, AIT, flight software, etc., to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities over time.

 

What You’ll Get To Do

 

  • 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 planning and incident response

 

You’ll Bring These Qualifications As a Spacecraft Operations Engineer

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
  • Direct 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

 

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

 

  • 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 a 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

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