SPACE SYSTEMS
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.
SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS MANAGER
Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA theSpacecraft Operations Manageris responsible for leading mission operations development and on-orbit operation of Rocket Lab spacecraft. You will be responsible for maintaining the health and safety of Rocket Lab’s growing fleet of diverse spacecraft. You will lead a team of operations engineers and work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, GNC, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Lead a team to operate on-orbit spacecraft
Develop operational procedures to ensure mission success
Identify key areas where automation can improve operations, particularly with regard to constellation management
Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report status, spacecraft health, and anomalies
Coordinate with operations teams in Denver, CO and New Zealand
Develop operations training material for internal and customer use
Inform the design of ground control software to optimize situational awareness and streamline spacecraft command and control
Implement industry best practices for individual spacecraft and constellation management
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software engineering or other engineering discipline
8+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, or spacecraft operations
Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports
Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Demonstrated experience authoring engineering test procedures
Knowledge and experience with satellite ground systems
Experience in Jira planning and workflow
Familiarity with software development, such as Python, C, C++, Angular or other high-level languages
Prior background with satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and orbital mechanics
Experience with troubleshooting hardware and software systems
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
