Lead Avionics Test & Launch Engineer

Rocket Lab Corp.; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Cash incentives

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid vacation

Holidays

Sick leave

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corp. in Virginia seeks a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, including configuration of facilities and leadership of engineering teams.

You will develop CONOPS, test plans, training programs, and perform real‑time troubleshooting during live missions to ensure safety and reliability in high tempo launch campaigns.

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 escalate/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 and manage a team of engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for avionics systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks.
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for avionics operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for avionics monitoring, telemetry display, and ground station control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication system anomalies.
• Conduct post‑test and post‑launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positions.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies.
• Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns.
• Lead teams of engineers, manage projects, and ensure readiness and capability of the discipline area.
• Develop training programs, conduct readiness reviews, and serve as primary technical authority during mission‑critical operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Avionics systems

Flight software

Ground station operations

Operational readiness

Root-cause analysis

Procedural development

Mission control operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace, software engineering or technical field

Job description

Rocket Lab Corp. in Virginia seeks a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, including configuration of facilities and leadership of engineering teams.

You will develop CONOPS, test plans, training programs, and perform real‑time troubleshooting during live missions to ensure safety and reliability in high tempo launch campaigns.