# Principal Spacecraft Operations Engineer - Secret Clearance Required at Rocket Lab

- Company: Rocket Lab
- What the company does: The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components. Backed by Bessemer and Khosla.
- Company website: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/
- Type: Startups
- Level: Principal and up
- Location: Long Beach, CA
- Work setup: On-site
- Posted: 2026-09-01
- Apply by: 2026-10-19
- Apply: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/7984051003?utm_source=1752vc&utm_medium=careers
- Page: https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/rocket-lab-principal-spacecraft-operations-engineer-secret-clearance-required/

## About the role

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. Found on 1752vc Careers, the job board for startup and VC roles.

## What they're looking for

- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- 12+ years of direct experience in any of the following: space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft command control, or spacecraft operations
- 5+ years of experience leading teams of engineers through spacecraft missions or related aerospace projects
- Previous experience in roles such as Mission Lead, Mission Director, Flight Director, or Senior Spacecraft Operations Engineer
- Previous experience supporting mission operations activities in an on-console or operator-in-the-loop capacity
- Understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics

Tags: Space Systems SW

Source: 1752vc Careers, https://www.1752.vc/careers/jobs/rocket-lab-principal-spacecraft-operations-engineer-secret-clearance-required/