Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$213k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move f…
Skills: Spacecraft operations, Python, Ruby, C, C++
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$150k–$224k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Materials Science, Process Engineering, M&P Qualification, Failure Analysis, Experimental Design
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$100k–$155k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move f…
Skills: CAM Software, 3-Axis CNC Machining, 5-Axis CNC Machining, GD&T, Inspection Methods
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$164k–$246k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: CAD, Kinematic synthesis, Pneumatic actuation, Hydraulic actuation, Mechatronics
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$148k–$210k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: RF engineering, RF test equipment, Digital RF communication, RF components, Antenna concepts
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$132k–$198k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Systems engineering, Mechanical design, Thrust vector control, Actuators, Requirements management
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$132k–$198k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: CAD, Kinematic synthesis, Pneumatic actuation, Hydraulic actuation, Mechatronics
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$132k–$198k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Mechanical engineering, CAD, Kinematic synthesis, Pneumatic actuation, Hydraulic actuation
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$132k–$198k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: CAD, Kinematic synthesis, Pneumatic actuation, Hydraulic actuation, Mechatronics
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$40/hr–$70/hr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Structural testing, Instrumentation, Data acquisition, Hydraulic load testing, Pneumatic pressure testing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$162k–$230k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Human Spaceflight Mission Operations, Human In The Loop Testing, Flight Control Leadership, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, Space-To-Ground Communication Systems
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$164k–$232k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Structural Dynamics, Loads Prediction, Finite Element Analysis, Vibration Testing, Acoustic Analysis
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$162k–$265k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, Fault Tree Analysis, Mechanical Design, Systems Integration, Reliability Engineering
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$133k–$188k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Production Management, Takt-based Production, Lean Manufacturing, PFMEA, Configuration Control
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$40/hr–$57/hr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Ballistic Testing, Hypervelocity Impact Testing, High-speed Imaging, Data Acquisition Systems, Vacuum Systems
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$189k–$268k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Loads & Dynamics Leadership, Structural Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis, Vibration and Shock Testing, Acoustic Environments
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$136k–$176k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Manufacturing engineering, Thermal control systems, CAD, Siemens NX, Fluid systems
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$138k–$265k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Mechanical design, Avionics, 3D CAD, GD&T, Electronics packaging
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$112k–$159k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Systems engineering, Requirements definition, Verification and validation, Technical leadership, Product breakdown structures
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$137k–$195k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Design Reliability, Systems Integration, Test Engineering, Risk Management, Technical Leadership
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The Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and optimal performance of satellite fleets while meeting mission objectives. This role involves designing and testing ground and flight software, managing mission sequences, and providing technical support across various spacecraft subsystems.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and possess 5 to 8+ years of direct experience in space mission design or spacecraft operations. Proficiency in high-level programming languages and an understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft subsystems are required, along with the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions
Based on site at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer I/II is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and optimal performance of a growing fleet of satellites while meeting mission objectives and SLAs for both commercial and government customers. This includes supporting diverse missions such as LEO constellations, interplanetary exploration, LEO rendezvous, and SDA-related deployments. Your expertise would be critical during commissioning, orbit raising, routine operations, and potentially re-entry phases, ensuring the health and safety of Rocket Lab’s expanding fleet. The Spacecraft Operations team works closely with related teams, such as spacecraft design, AIT, flight software, propulsion, GNC, flight dynamics and ground software development to help improve both the ground and satellite-based capabilities over time.
The space operations experience at Rocket Lab is unique because you will cover a multitude of roles/positions and responsibilities, with the large majority of the technical products being supplied through the vertical integration/in-house.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Engineer I or Senior Engineer II level)
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected].This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
Based on 362 listings with disclosed salaries, most science & research jobs in Long Beach, CA pay between $90k–$220k per year. Individual offers vary with seniority, company size, and specialization.
There are currently 400 open science & research positions in Long Beach, CA listed on Clera. New openings are added daily as companies post roles.
Companies currently hiring include Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, Vast, True Anomaly, CSULB Economics, among others. Browse the listings above to see every active employer.
Yes — 37 of the 400 open science & research positions offer remote or hybrid work (10 remote, 27 hybrid).
Each listing links directly to the employer's application page. Apply early — fresh listings get the most recruiter attention in the first two weeks.
