Launch Operations Lead - Ground Systems & Mission Control

Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers; Virginia; On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Medical/Dental/Vision

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer based at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, guiding teams and ensuring readiness of ground systems and infrastructure.

You will develop procedures, conduct readiness reviews, and serve as the technical authority during missions. A strong background in ground systems, safety, and leadership will be essential to drive efficient launch campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering or related 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.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies and team management.
• Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage teams responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron operations.
• Serve as console operator in Mission Control during tests, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for launch pad systems and ground support equipment.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for monitoring and control of ground systems.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for ground systems operations.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve anomalies.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground system anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron ground systems procedures and testing campaigns.
• Coordinate cross-discipline teams to scale operations for increased launch cadence.

Skills

Ground systems

Industrial controls

Fluid systems

Launch operations

Leadership

Hazardous operations safety

Operational procedures

Mission simulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering

Tools

PLC

Ground support equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer based at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, guiding teams and ensuring readiness of ground systems and infrastructure.

You will develop procedures, conduct readiness reviews, and serve as the technical authority during missions. A strong background in ground systems, safety, and leadership will be essential to drive efficient launch campaigns.