Launch Operations Engineer II

Rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Cash incentives

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation/holidays/sick leave

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Virginia’s Wallops Island seeks a Test and Launch Engineer II – Vehicle to join the mission operations team. You will serve as a console operator in Mission Control for Electron and Neutron vehicle tests, develop procedures, and improve HMIs for live operations.

The role focuses on real-time troubleshooting, data analysis, and collaboration across tests, rehearsals, and launches, supporting rapid, reliable launch operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aero/Mech/Chem preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations, with focus on mechanical, propulsion, or fluid systems.
• 4+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations (nice to have).
• Experience in Mission Control or similar operational control environments (nice to have).
• Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft (nice to have).
• Experience with fluid/cryogenic/pressurized/hazardous systems (nice to have).
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, or HMIs (nice to have).
• Background in real-time data analysis and troubleshooting (nice to have).

Responsibilities

• Work in Mission Control as a console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations.
• Develop and improve HMIs for vehicle systems monitoring and control.
• Participate in operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve vehicle system issues.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Develop, integrate, and test mechanical and propulsion systems relating to Electron and Neutron launch vehicles.
• Oversee the configuration and checkout of launch vehicle systems including propulsion units, fluid systems, and mechanical assemblies.
• Lead and manage testing projects for launch vehicle systems, including static testing and integrated stage hot fire testing.
• Mentor and train other operators within the Test and Launch Operations team on launch vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems.
• Author, review and carry out operations procedures for vehicle systems.
• Support the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures.
• Receive instructional training and become qualified as a launch operator on Electron launch vehicles.

Job description

Rocket Lab in Virginia’s Wallops Island seeks a Test and Launch Engineer II – Vehicle to join the mission operations team. You will serve as a console operator in Mission Control for Electron and Neutron vehicle tests, develop procedures, and improve HMIs for live operations.

The role focuses on real-time troubleshooting, data analysis, and collaboration across tests, rehearsals, and launches, supporting rapid, reliable launch operations.