Spacecraft Operations Engineer II (Aerospace)

Location: Auckland, New Zealand; based at the Auckland Production Complex

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end space company developing rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems for commercial, government, and defence missions.

What you will do

• Command and operate spacecraft across LEO constellations and deep-space exploration missions, using automation as a core principle.
• Develop and test ground and flight software for long-term missions.
• Build operational scripts and configure telemetry and fault detection, isolation, and recovery systems.
• Lead validation activities using simulation tools, including hardware-in-the-loop and flatsat testing.
• Support spacecraft through integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations.
• Drive continuous improvement across spacecraft systems, processes, and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, systems, software, or another engineering discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in space mission design, satellite subsystems, ground systems, spacecraft operations, or spacecraft command.
• Experience with Linux systems and software development in Python, C++, or another high-level language.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems, including ADCS, power, communications, C&DH, and thermal systems.
• Solid knowledge of orbital mechanics, the space environment, and spacecraft dynamics.
• For the New Zealand role, nationality and background checks are required for access to equipment and data regulated by ITAR.

Nice to have

• Postgraduate degree in aerospace engineering.
• Experience in spacecraft operations, satellite design, or ground systems.
• Familiarity with Git, CI/CD, and cloud development tools.
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on real spacecraft and hardware for missions extending from Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
• Collaborate with engineers across propulsion, flight software, GNC, and mission design.
• Operate in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Work in a culture focused on teamwork, accountability, determination, and continuous innovation.