Automation Controls Engineer II, Ground Systems

Rocket Lab; Diamondhead (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Ground Systems team at the Stennis Space Center, MS, is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer II, Automation Controls. You will commission, test, and troubleshoot ground software interfaces, engine/test-site software, and data processing systems to support Neutron engine tests.

The role emphasizes collaboration with IT and software teams, documentation of procedures, and development of PLC programs to automate test operations. A relevant degree and hands-on test experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification.
• 2+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build.
• Hands-on experience with data processing systems.
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers.

Responsibilities

• Support propulsion engineers and test operators to troubleshoot software issues across all systems at the test site.
• Collaborate with IT, Ground Systems Instrumentation & Control, and software teams to deploy and commission test site software systems.
• Support the certification of test pad systems by producing documentation, operator manuals, maintenance procedures, test procedures, and work instructions.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of ground software systems and engine interfaces.
• Perform post-test data analysis and reporting.
• Be point of contact for any software-related requests on site and escalate as needed.
• Support test operators remotely or on-site during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs for automating test operations

Skills

Rocket engine test experience

Data processing

Git

Issue tracking

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/CE

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

IEC 61131-3 PLC

Kubernetes

Docker

TeamCity

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Ground Systems team at the Stennis Space Center, MS, is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer II, Automation Controls. You will commission, test, and troubleshoot ground software interfaces, engine/test-site software, and data processing systems to support Neutron engine tests.

The role emphasizes collaboration with IT and software teams, documentation of procedures, and development of PLC programs to automate test operations. A relevant degree and hands-on test experience are required.