Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Operations
Rocket Lab Corporation
| Company | Rocket Lab Corporation |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Auckland |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Senior |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 1 Jul 2026 |
| Last verified | 30 Jul 2026 |
| Source | Employer career page (greenhouse) |
Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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.
While other companies talk about it, we do it!
ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB:
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.
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER - SPACECRAFT GROUND OPERATIONS
As a Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Operations at Rocket Lab, you'll be at the forefront of space mission operations, developing critical ground software for spacecraft ranging from LEO to interplanetary missions. Join our dynamic team in Auckland and help shape the future of space exploration.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
Develop mission-critical operations software for spacecraft command and data handling, automation, and visualization across LEO, re-entry, interplanetary, and proximity operations missions
Build full-stack web applications including database schema design, back-end services, front-end interfaces, and machine-to-machine communications for spacecraft operations
Support live spacecraft operations by providing on-call technical expertise during critical mission phases and participating in ground-based test campaigns
Architect scalable software solutions by designing and evolving versatile ground software systems that can adapt to diverse and complex mission requirements
Lead technical initiatives including facilitating scrum activities, conducting code reviews, approving software architectures, and mentoring junior engineers on best practices
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar discipline, plus minimum 5 years of professional experience
Full-stack development expertise with proficiency in Python for async backend development and TypeScript with modern frameworks (Angular, React, or Vue) for frontend applications
Database and infrastructure knowledge including RDBMS design and SQL, containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud provider experience, and Linux proficiency for development and production environments
Testing and quality focus as a proponent of unit, integration, and end-to-end testing methodologies with experience implementing comprehensive test coverage
Collaborative leadership skills with experience in Agile scrum methodologies, abi
995,367 openings. Erioun finds yours.Scored against your own profile, every hour.Try the radar →