Lead Ground Systems & Launch Operations Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Launch Pad to oversee end-to-end testing, launch and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, including ground systems and infrastructure.

As a senior operations leader, you will manage teams, develop CONOPS, training programs, readiness reviews, and root-cause analysis while ensuring procedures scale with increasing cadence. This role features strong leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
• 5-8+ years of engineering experience in ground systems or launch operations.
• Experience with ground support equipment and PLCs required.

Responsibilities

• Lead launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron launches.
• Act as mission control console operator during tests and launches.
• Develop CONOPS for launch pad systems and ground support equipment.
• Create robust test plans, procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations.
• Design HMIs for monitoring and control of ground systems.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations.
• Conduct post-test data analysis to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators.
• Lead root-cause analyses and corrective action programs for ground systems issues.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Operational readiness

Education

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

Tools

Ground support equipment

Industrial control systems (PLCs)

Launch pad systems

Cryogenic systems

Propellant handling

Job description

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Launch Pad to oversee end-to-end testing, launch and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, including ground systems and infrastructure.

As a senior operations leader, you will manage teams, develop CONOPS, training programs, readiness reviews, and root-cause analysis while ensuring procedures scale with increasing cadence. This role features strong leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration.