Software Engineer I/II - Spacecraft Operations

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise providing responsive launch solutions, satellite design and manufacturing, payload development, and satellite components. Our mission is to expand access to space through innovative rockets and spacecraft used in scientific research, Earth observation, climate change monitoring, national security, and experimental technology demonstrations.

The Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket and has deployed over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems division creates satellites and components, many supporting NASA's lunar and Martian missions, as well as tools onboard the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems Team

The Space Systems group at Rocket Lab is responsible for all satellite and component design and production, from entire satellites to subsystems such as solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation mechanisms, and radios. The team includes engineers, technicians, and designers who build satellites for commercial, government, and defense sectors, or manufacture hardware and software supporting other satellite operations.

Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Ground Operations Role

As a senior software engineer working on spacecraft operations in Auckland, you will develop critical ground software to support spacecraft from low Earth orbit to interplanetary missions.

• Create essential software for spacecraft command, data handling, automation, and visualization across various mission types including LEO, re-entry, interplanetary, and proximity operations.
• Develop full-stack web applications encompassing backend services, database schemas, frontend interfaces, and device-to-device communications.
• Provide expert technical support during live missions through on-call duties and partake in ground-based testing activities.
• Design and maintain scalable, adaptable ground software architectures to meet diverse mission needs.
• Lead technical projects by managing scrum processes, conducting code reviews, approving architectural designs, and mentoring junior engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong full-stack development skills with Python for asynchronous backend operations and TypeScript with modern frameworks (Angular, React, or Vue) for frontend work.
• Proficiency with relational database design and SQL, containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, cloud service experience, and fluency with Linux environments.
• Commitment to quality, including expertise in unit, integration, and end-to-end testing methodologies.
• Collaborative leadership experience working in Agile scrum teams plus effective communication and mentorship abilities.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with distributed systems and third-party integrations, including metrics systems, message brokers, and time series databases such as InfluxDB.
• DevOps skills involving CI/CD pipelines and REST API development for system integration.
• Knowledge of network programming, including TCP, WebSockets, and real-time protocols.
• Background in aerospace, specifically satellite operations, interface definitions, concept of operations, and mission planning documentation.
• Expertise in designing highly resilient, fault-tolerant systems critical for space mission ground operations.

Work Environment and Expectations

Rocket Lab embodies innovation, resilience, teamwork, and a results-oriented mindset. We value humility, dedication, and thriving under pressure to overcome challenges. Our culture emphasizes mutual support, delivering on commitments, and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in space exploration.

Important Information

Applicants for United States offices must meet ITAR compliance, requiring citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or eligibility for State/Commerce Department authorization.

Rocket Lab practices equal opportunity employment, prohibiting discrimination of any form based on federally or locally protected characteristics. Applicants requiring accommodations for the hiring process in the U.S. may contact our dedicated support resource.

For New Zealand applicants, pre-employment background checks, including nationality verification, are mandatory due to ITAR regulations. Eligibility requires citizenship from specified countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or NATO members and excludes certain dual citizenships.