Launch Test & Operations Lead - Mission Control

rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Engineer - Launch Pad at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch operations, and ground systems for Electron and Neutron vehicles, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring readiness.

You will develop CONOPS, improve procedures, and lead training and readiness reviews to sustain increasing launch cadence in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering or related field.
• 5+ 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 launch pad systems.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, pressurization, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies and safe, high-reliability operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams responsible for launch pad ground systems and infrastructure.
• Operate Mission Control as console operator during tests and launches.
• Develop 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 ground systems monitoring and control.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during operations.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for console positions.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomalies.

Skills

Ground systems

Industrial controls

Launch operations

Cryogenic systems

Propellant handling

Team leadership

Hazardous ops safety

Education

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

Tools

Ground support equipment

PLC control systems

Automated sequencing

Launch pad systems

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Engineer - Launch Pad at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch operations, and ground systems for Electron and Neutron vehicles, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring readiness.

You will develop CONOPS, improve procedures, and lead training and readiness reviews to sustain increasing launch cadence in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.