Operations Engineer II

About the role

Rocket Lab is seeking an Operations Engineer II to join its Auckland Production Complex. You will own spacecraft operations across a growing fleet, from low‑Earth‑orbit constellations to deep‑space missions, shaping automation, software, and mission success from concept through re‑entry.

Key responsibilities

• Command and operate spacecraft with automation at the core.
• Develop and test ground and flight software for long‑duration missions.
• Build robust operational scripts and telemetry/FDIR configurations.
• Lead validation activities using simulation tools such as hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) and flatsat.
• Support spacecraft through integration, testing, launch, and on‑orbit life.
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and performance.

Required profile

• Decisive, curious and solutions‑focused.
• Ability to tackle complex engineering problems and deliver under pressure.
• End‑to‑end ownership of work with clear communication and respectful collaboration.
• Systems thinking, balanced risk assessment and optimisation for real‑world outcomes.

Required skills

• Automation concepts applied to spacecraft operations.
• Ground and flight software development experience.
• Operational scripting and telemetry/FDIR configuration.
• Use of simulation tools such as HITL and flatsat for validation.