Production & Process Engineering

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.

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

5-8+ 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

Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems

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

Experience leading ground systems testing programs or static test campaigns

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

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.

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; 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., S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.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 dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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. PandoLogic.