Lead, Test & Launch Operations Engineer

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 fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded end-to-end space company. The rocket can deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, enable interplanetary payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform, Neutron will deliver a very cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven history with Electron – the second most launched rocket, worldwide, in 2024. If you're interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.

HASTE

HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a specialized variant of Rocket Lab's proven Electron launch vehicle, designed to support hypersonic flight testing and research missions. Operating from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia, Electron HASTE provides a unique capability to deliver hypersonic test vehicles to the required flight conditions for cutting-edge aerodynamic and propulsion research. The program represents an exciting evolution of the Electron platform, supporting critical national defense and aerospace research objectives while maintaining Rocket Lab's commitment to rapid, reliable launch operations.

Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Launch Pad

Based 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 operations

• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations

• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for launch pad systems and ground support equipment

• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations

• Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for ground systems monitoring and control

• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for ground systems operations

• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve ground systems anomalies

• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities

• Develop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positions

• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomalies

• Drive the development of Neutron ground systems operations procedures and testing campaigns

• Responsible 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 operations

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field

• 5+ years of engineering experience in ground systems, industrial controls, fluid systems, or launch operations

• Proficiency with ground support equipment, industrial control systems (including PLCs and automated sequencing), and launch pad systems

• Experience with cryogenic systems, pressurization systems, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking operations

• Experience in high-reliability ground systems design, testing, or operations

• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team management

• Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems

• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments

• Aviation, aircrew, or flight test experience as an alternative background

• Hands-on experience with launch vehicle ground operations at an active launch site

• Experience leading ground systems testing programs or static test campaigns

• Track record of leading teams

• Solid understanding of fluid systems and high-pressure gas systems

• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems
• Background in real-time data analysis and troubleshooting during live operations

ADDITIONAL 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.

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, 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.