Avionics Test & Launch Lead

ROCKET LAB; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

Employee stock purchase program

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will lead teams, develop CONOPS, and ensure readiness of avionics systems across mission critical operations.

You will coordinate with disciplines, drive process improvements, and train staff while maintaining safety and reliability in a fast-paced launch environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software systems and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry systems, or avionics networking infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to elevate/request help, and effectively managing a team.
• Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as console operator for avionics during test campaigns and launches.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for avionics, flight software, and ground networks.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for avionics operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for avionics monitoring and ground station control.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics issues.
• Conduct post‑test and post‑launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for console operators.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns.
• Lead teams of engineers and manage operational projects for readiness of their area.

Skills

Avionics systems

RF systems

Telemetry

Flight software

Launch vehicle operations

Leadership

Operational procedures

Test planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer/aerospace/software engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will lead teams, develop CONOPS, and ensure readiness of avionics systems across mission critical operations.

You will coordinate with disciplines, drive process improvements, and train staff while maintaining safety and reliability in a fast-paced launch environment.