Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad

Develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for their systems during mission-critical operationsYou'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field5-8+ years of engineering experience in ground systems, industrial controls, fluid systems, or launch operationsProficiency with ground support equipment, industrial control systems (including PLCs and automated sequencing), and launch pad systemsExperience with cryogenic systems, pressurization systems, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking operationsExperience in high-reliability ground systems design, testing, or operationsDemonstrated leadership competencies, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team managementUnderstanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systemsExperience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulationsThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environmentsAviation, aircrew, or flight test experience as an alternative backgroundHands-on experience with launch vehicle ground operations at an active launch siteExperience leading ground systems testing programs or static test campaignsTrack record of leading teamsSolid understanding of fluid systems and high-pressure gas systemsExperience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systemsBackground in real-time data analysis and troubleshooting during live operationsAdditional Requirements: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. What You'll Get To Do:Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron launch operationsWork in Mission Control as the console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operationsDevelop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for launch pad systems and ground support equipmentCreate and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for ground systems operationsDesign and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for ground systems monitoring and controlLead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for ground systems operationsPerform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve ground systems anomaliesConduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunitiesDevelop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positionsLead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomaliesDrive the development of Neutron ground systems operations procedures and testing campaignsResponsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.

Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch PadBased out of Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA, the Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer are responsible for the end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, including the configuration and operation of related facilities and infrastructure. As a senior operational leader, you will oversee teams of engineers, manage operational projects, and ensure the readiness and capability of your discipline area. You will develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for your systems during mission-critical operations. In this role, you will coordinate across disciplines to resolve complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure operational procedures and infrastructure scale to support an increasing launch cadence. The Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer balances time between Mission Control operations, team leadership, and strategic planning for future operational capabilities.What You'll Get To Do:Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron launch operationsWork in Mission Control as the console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operationsDevelop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for launch pad systems and ground support equipmentCreate and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for ground systems operationsDesign and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for ground systems monitoring and controlLead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for ground systems operationsPerform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve ground systems anomaliesConduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunitiesDevelop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positionsLead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomaliesDrive the development of Neutron ground systems operations procedures and testing campaignsResponsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.Develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for their systems during mission-critical operationsYou'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field5-8+ years of engineering experience in ground systems, industrial controls, fluid systems, or launch operationsProficiency with ground support equipment, industrial control systems (including PLCs and automated sequencing), and launch pad systemsExperience with cryogenic systems, pressurization systems, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking operationsExperience in high-reliability ground systems design, testing, or operationsDemonstrated leadership competencies, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team managementUnderstanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systemsExperience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulationsThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environmentsAviation, aircrew, or flight test experience as an alternative backgroundHands-on experience with launch vehicle ground operations at an active launch siteExperience leading ground systems testing programs or static test campaignsTrack record of leading teamsSolid understanding of fluid systems and high-pressure gas systemsExperience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systemsBackground in real-time data analysis and troubleshooting during live operationsAdditional Requirements: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.The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.Base Pay Range (VA Only): $110,000 - $140,000 USDWhat 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. 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.