Job Description Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Operations Engineer to join the Auckland Space Institute Te Pnaha tea , within the Faculty of Engineering and Design . This is a rare and exciting opportunity to contribute to both pre-launch and in-orbit spacecraft operations for educational, national, and international partners. In this role, you will: Develop mission concepts of operations (ConOps), interface specifications, and operational procedures.

Manage spacecraft in-orbit operations, including mission planning, manoeuvre execution, and anomaly resolution. Lead regular spacecraft health assessments and provide technical reports. Coordinate with spacecraft manufacturers, payload developers, and ground system service providers.

Participate in a 24/7 on-call operations roster and train students, engineers, and interns in spacecraft operations. Represent the Space Institute at national and international conferences and outreach events. This is a full-time, 37.

5 hours per week, 22-month fixed-term position. The salary range for this role is $112,100 - $137,200 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. For more information, please review the Position Description.

M t mtou rp | About the team The Auckland Space Institute Te Pnaha tea is a multidisciplinary centre for space science, engineering, and applications. We undertake research, deliver education programmes, and lead mission development from concept to orbit. The Spacecraft Operations Team plays a key role in enabling operational capability for New Zealands space sector, working closely with academia, industry, and government agencies.

He krero mu | About you You will be a system-minded engineer who thrives in dynamic and complex operational environments. You will bring: A degree or equivalent experience in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering. 5 years experience in spacecraft operations or systems engineering, including flight operations.

Strong technical writing skills and familiarity with spacecraft systems, orbital dynamics, and communications. Excellent communication and coordination skills across international, multidisciplinary teams. A willingness to work in a 24/7 operations roster and travel for outreach and industry engagement.

Desirable: Software development experience (e.g. Python, Java).

Experience developing spacecraft hardware or flight software. Presentation or teaching experience at professional or academic events. Must hold citizenship from New Zealand, Australia, USA, EU, or a NATO member country (due to export controls).

Ng huatanga kei a mtou | What we offer The University of Auckland is committed to providing a fulfilling and inclusive work environment. We offer: Flexible work practices and a collaborative team culture. Five weeks of annual leave and up to 6.

75% employer superannuation contribution. Access to professional development and training opportunities. For more inform.