Senior Test Site Operations Engineer

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SENIOR TEST SITE OPERATIONS ENGINEER

The Senior Site Operations Engineer is a critical individual contributor role at our Stennis engine test facility, responsible for optimizing test operations, day to day program management and strategic planning, aligning resources to priorities, and assessing progress toward test site targets. Reporting directly to the Site Director, this person will proactively identify and address operational challenges, implement best practices, derive actionable information from data, and synchronize work priorities across the test facility to ensure all necessary resources (parts, people, and plans) are in place to meet Neutron program objectives.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO TO DO:

• Coordinate test planning with key leads from design, test ops, GSE, technician teams as well as external parties to support a test cadence spanning 2 shifts, 7 days a week.
• Directed program management for weekly and monthly schedules, including forecasting staffing and headcount needs to ensure resource alignment with test cadence.
• Lead daily meetings to align engineering, operations, and safety teams.
• Develop key performance measures and identify decision points and actions to optimize site operations, resourcing and schedules to meet demand, ensuring measured parameters correlate with overall Neutron program objectives.
• Identify operational challenges within the organization, lead problem formulation, determine root cause, and implement creative and effective solutions.
• Identify potential risks and obstacles in the test process and implement mitigation strategies.

 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience with rocket systems test operations, flight test, oil and gas production operations or other relevant industry.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing complex projects within a rapidly evolving environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Masters degree in an engineering discipline
• Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant
• Background of technical expertise in sub-component to full flight system testing
• Software development for data acquisition and control systems
• Experience with managing modest technical programs for cost, schedule and performance using industry-standard tools.

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines.

WHAT 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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.