Avionics Test & Launch Operations Lead

WVSPS; Virginia; On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time

Paid parental leave

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Discounts and perks

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics based at Launch Complex 3, Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, guiding teams across avionics hardware, software, and ground networks.

You will develop CONOPS, drive test plans, and ensure readiness for mission-critical operations. You will lead operational readiness reviews, create HMIs for monitoring, and perform real-time troubleshooting during live

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 ops
• Work in Mission Control as console operator for avionics during tests and launches
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for avionics, flight software, and ground networks
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for avionics ops
• Design and implement HMIs for avionics monitoring and ground control
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals
• Troubleshoot and analyze data during live ops to resolve avionics issues
• Analyze post-test data to identify trends and improvements
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies
• Drive development of Neutron avionics ops procedures and testing
• Lead teams of engineers and manage operational projects for readiness of their discipline
• Develop training and conduct readiness reviews as primary technical authority during mission-critical ops

Skills

Avionics systems

Flight software

Ground station operations

RF systems

Telemetry

Leadership

Operations planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics based at Launch Complex 3, Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, guiding teams across avionics hardware, software, and ground networks.

You will develop CONOPS, drive test plans, and ensure readiness for mission-critical operations. You will lead operational readiness reviews, create HMIs for monitoring, and perform real-time troubleshooting during live