Lead Ground Systems & Launch Operations Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

Cash incentives

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, holidays, and sickLeave

Paid parental leave

Other discounts and perks

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, Virginia is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer to oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron. You will manage ground systems, infrastructure, and teams, ensuring readiness for an increasing launch cadence.

You will lead operational readiness reviews, develop CONOPS, and drive improvements across procedures, training, and real-time issue resolution in mission-critical launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical) or related field.
• 5–8+ years in ground systems, controls, fluid systems, or launch ops.
• Experience with ground support equipment, PLCs, and sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Lead ground systems teams for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Serve as console operator in Mission Control during tests and launches.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for launch pad systems.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists.
• Design HMIs for ground systems monitoring and control.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and rehearsals.
• Perform real-time data analysis to troubleshoot ground systems.
• Conduct post-launch data reviews to identify improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators.

Skills

Ground systems expertise

Industrial controls

Cryogenic systems experience

Launch operations

Leadership

Safety protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering or related field

Job description

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, Virginia is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer to oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron. You will manage ground systems, infrastructure, and teams, ensuring readiness for an increasing launch cadence.

You will lead operational readiness reviews, develop CONOPS, and drive improvements across procedures, training, and real-time issue resolution in mission-critical launches.