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Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer - Secret Clearance Preferred
ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

PRINCIPAL SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER I- SECRET CLEARANCE

Based on site at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and optimal performance of a growing fleet of satellites while meeting mission objectives and SLAs for both commercial and government customers. This includes supporting diverse missions such as LEO constellations, interplanetary exploration, LEO rendezvous, and SDA-related deployments.

Your expertise would be critical during commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and potentially re-entry phases, ensuring the health and safety of Rocket Lab’s expanding fleet. The Spacecraft Operations team works closely with related teams, such as spacecraft design, AIT, flight software, propulsion, GNC, flight dynamics and ground software development to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities over time.

The space operations experience at Rocket Lab is unique because you will cover a multitude of roles/positions and responsibilities, with the large majority of the technical products being supplied through the vertical integration/in-house.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Serve as the program's mission operations technical lead: set the technical direction and strategy for operations, plan and prioritize the work of the mission operations staff, and act as the primary operations point of contact for program-level design decisions and trades

• Advocate for operability across the program: influence spacecraft and ground architecture upstream so vehicles are designed to be operated safely, efficiently, and autonomously, and push for changes to program design and execution when operational needs demand it

• Own mission operations requirements and lead requirements validation and verification for spacecraft missions and system-level capability and function

• Define the automation strategy and lead the development of robust, software-driven methods for mission operations, testing, and data analysis to ensure efficient, repeatable, and reliable spacecraft operation

• Design, develop, and test flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configurations to ensure spacecraft health and fault management through software-driven processes

• Architect, develop, and test ground software for long-duration operations, including scripting and automation frameworks that make operations robust, hands-off, and scalable across a growing fleet

• Establish and steward the integration, testing, and maintenance of mission operations tooling and codebases, including CI, version control, and release discipline. Ensure the on-call or shift schedules of operations

• Author and own interface specifications, CONOPS, contingency procedures, and other operational design documents

• Lead validation of flight products and procedures against spacecraft simulation tools, including flatsat, HITL, SIL, and digital twins

• Support AIT teams across multiple spacecraft integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL

• Provide program and product support to team leads and program managers, and serve as a key technical interface between the NZ and USA engineering teams

• Represent mission operations in program milestone reviews, design reviews, and readiness gates, and drive continuous improvement through post-mission lessons learned

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPALSPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)

• 12+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control, or spacecraft operations

• 5+ years of experience leading teams of engineers through spacecraft missions or related aerospace projects

• Previous experience in roles such as Mission Lead, Mission Director, Flight Director, or Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer

• Previous experience supporting mission operations activities in an on-console or operator-in-the-loop capacity

• Thorough understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and associated components, including attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-to-ground communications, command and data handling (C&DH), thermal control systems (TCS), spacecraft propulsion systems, and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR)

• Understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics

• 5+ years of direct software development experience (Python/Ruby/C/C++/other high-level languages), covering items such as spacecraft onboard flight scripts, ground scripting and automation, and data manipulation and analysis

• US citizenship is required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD engineering in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)

• Prior experience in spacecraft operations

• Prior experience in satellite system design

• Prior experience in satellite ground systems

• Exposure to modern development practices – GIT, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure

• Proficiency with Agile issue-tracking tools, specifically Jira, for mission task management, status tracking, and bug reporting

• Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Testing: Exposure to testing frameworks that simulate software behavior in operational environments. ·

• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing: Familiarity with testing frameworks that integrate software and hardware systems.

• Active Secret or TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$173,300 — $259,850 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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What this posting asks for

Level: Lead / staff — The title says "Principal".

Main responsibilities

Serve as the program's mission operations technical lead: set the technical direction and strategy for operations, plan and prioritize the work of the missio…
Own mission operations requirements and lead requirements validation and verification for spacecraft missions and system-level capability and function
Design, develop, and test flight software sequences and FDIR/telemetry configurations to ensure spacecraft health and fault management through software-drive…
Architect, develop, and test ground software for long-duration operations, including scripting and automation frameworks that make operations robust, hands-o…
Ensure the on-call or shift schedules of operations
Lead validation of flight products and procedures against spacecraft simulation tools, including flatsat, HITL, SIL, and digital twins
Support AIT teams across multiple spacecraft integrated tests (TVAC, propulsion stack, DITL

Competencies an interviewer will look for

Technical skill Core
In the posting: “Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, li…” · “The Spacecraft Operations team works closely with related teams, such as spacecraft design, AIT, flight software, propulsion, GNC, flight dynamics and ground…” · “Advocate for operability across the program: influence spacecraft and ground architecture upstream so vehicles are designed to be operated safely, efficientl…”
Show it by: Names the tools, languages or systems used and how; Explains a technical choice and its trade-off.
Ownership and accountability Core
In the posting: “Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s …” · “Advocate for operability across the program: influence spacecraft and ground architecture upstream so vehicles are designed to be operated safely, efficientl…” · “As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.”
Show it by: Takes a task from start to finish without being chased; Owns a mistake and what was changed after it.
Planning and organisation Core
In the posting: “Serve as the program's mission operations technical lead: set the technical direction and strategy for operations, plan and prioritize the work of the missio…” · “Ensure the on-call or shift schedules of operations” · “Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical pla…”
Show it by: Shows how priorities were set when everything was urgent; Mentions deadlines met and how.
Data and analysis Core
In the posting: “Define the automation strategy and lead the development of robust, software-driven methods for mission operations, testing, and data analysis to ensure effic…” · “Thorough understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and associated components, including attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), electrical power …” · “5+ years of direct software development experience (Python/Ruby/C/C++/other high-level languages), covering items such as spacecraft onboard flight scripts, …”
Show it by: Uses a number to describe the situation or the result; Explains what the data showed and what was done with it.
Attention to detail and quality Core
In the posting: “Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, li…” · “Based on site at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and…” · “Your expertise would be critical during commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and potentially re-entry phases, ensuring the health and safety of …”
Show it by: Gives an example of an error caught before it caused harm; Names the check or standard they used.
Stakeholder management Core
In the posting: “The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency…” · “Advocate for operability across the program: influence spacecraft and ground architecture upstream so vehicles are designed to be operated safely, efficientl…”
Show it by: Shows how they aligned people with different goals; Explains how they handled a 'no' from someone senior.
Communication Supporting
In the posting: “Thorough understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and associated components, including attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), electrical power …”
Show it by: Adapts the message to the listener; Gives an example of explaining something clearly in writing or speech.
Teamwork and collaboration Supporting
In the posting: “It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible.”
Show it by: Says what they did inside a team, not only what 'we' did; Shows how a disagreement was handled.
Customer focus Supporting
In the posting: “Based on site at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and…”
Show it by: Puts the customer's need in their own words; Shows a result for the customer, not only for the company.
Adaptability and learning Supporting
In the posting: “Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical pla…”
Show it by: Describes learning something new quickly and using it; Shows a change of plan and how they adjusted.

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Walk me through a piece of work where you used your strongest technical skill. What exactly did you do? From this posting
Tell me about a task you took from start to finish without anyone asking you to. From this posting
You have three urgent tasks due today and time to finish only two. How do you decide? From this posting
Tell me about a time you used data or numbers to make a decision. From this posting
How have you used scheduling in your work? Walk me through one real example. From this posting
Tell me about a problem you solved using python. From this posting
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Tell me about a time you had to explain something complex to someone outside your field. From this posting
Two managers ask you to book the same room at the same time. What do you do?
Describe a time you handled an upset customer or colleague.
Tell me about a time you had several deadlines at once. How did you decide what to do first?
Give an example of a mistake you caught before it caused a problem.
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Tell me about a time you had to explain something complicated in simple terms.
Describe a process you improved.
Do you have any questions for us?
Why do you want to work here?
Why is there a gap in your employment? Difficult question
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Why are you changing careers? Difficult question
What is your greatest weakness? Difficult question
What are your salary expectations? Difficult question
You seem overqualified for this role. Why do you want it? Difficult question
Improper-question practice: How old are you? / Do you have children? / Where are you from originally?
A customer is angry about a delay you did not cause. What do you do?
How do you keep track of many open customer requests?
Tell me about a time you could not give a customer what they wanted.
You find that the inventory count does not match the system. What do you do?
Tell me about a time a shipment or delivery went wrong.
How do you make sure safety rules are followed on a busy shift?
How have you used spreadsheets in your work?
Tell me about a time you had to enter or check a lot of data accurately.
Tell me about a sale or agreement you are proud of.
A prospect says your price is too high. How do you respond?
How do you keep your pipeline organised?
Tell me about a technical problem you solved on your own.
You find a bug right before a release. What do you do?
Walk me through how you would check whether a report's numbers are right.