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Full-Time

Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer II

TS/SCI Clearance

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$130k - $180kAnnually

+ Company Stock + Cash Incentives + Employee Stock Purchase Program

Senior, Expert

Littleton, CO, USA

Based on site at Rocket Lab's global office in Littleton, CO.

US Top Secret Clearance, US Citizenship Required

Category
Research & Development
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
Python
Linux/Unix
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Systems, Software engineering or other engineering degree
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • 8+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations
  • Prior experience in spacecraft operations and satellite command and control
  • CI/CD pipeline familiarity, version control and cloud infrastructure
  • Adept with Linux systems and software development experience with Python, C++ languages
Responsibilities
  • Works with the launch operations team, spacecraft subsystem and systems engineers, flight software, program management, and ground support to build outcomes and products that support the whole team.
  • Support rigorous/challenging schedules during spacecraft ground-based testing, launch windows, and on-orbit operations.
  • Strong communication skills and constructive participation in forward planning and incident response.
  • Inform the design of ground control software to optimize situational awareness and streamline spacecraft command and control.
  • Develop, review and approve Mission Operations deliverables including procedures, robot test results, CONOPS.
  • Provide feedback, mentorship, and support for other team members.
  • Communicates frequently and effectively with stakeholders across disciplines, highlighting success and learning from failures.

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$1.5B

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

13%

1 year growth

33%

2 year growth

79%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a $70 million investment and creation of 100 new jobs, indicates strong growth and job opportunities.
  • Significant investments from firms like Verus Capital Partners and Susquehanna Fundamental Investments reflect strong market confidence in Rocket Lab's future.
  • Government funding, including $41 million from the Chips Act and $44 million from New Mexico, bolsters Rocket Lab's financial stability and capacity for innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The competitive landscape of the space industry, with major players like SpaceX, could pressure Rocket Lab to continuously innovate to maintain its market position.
  • Delays or failures in the development of the Neutron launch vehicle could impact Rocket Lab's ability to capture larger payload markets.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, showcasing a proven track record of reliability and success.
  • The company's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected for high-profile NASA missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, setting it apart from competitors.
  • Rocket Lab's dual launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia provide operational flexibility and increased launch frequency, a strategic advantage over competitors with fewer launch sites.