Lead Launch Ops Engineer - Ground Systems & Mission Control

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab, a leading space company, is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad based in Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, directing teams, and ensuring readiness of ground systems.

You will develop CONOPS, supervise training, and drive improvements across ground support systems, with a focus on safety, reliability, and high-availability operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other 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, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective 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 a team of Engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for launch pad systems and ground support equipment.
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations.
• Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for ground systems monitoring and control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for ground systems operations.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve ground systems anomalies.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positions.
• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomalies.
• Drive the development of Neutron ground systems operations procedures and testing campaigns.
• Responsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.
• Develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for their systems during mission-critical operations.

Skills

Leadership

Safety protocols

Operational procedures

Mission simulations

Ground systems knowledge

Troubleshooting live ops

Hazardous operations

Education

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

Tools

Industrial control systems (PLCs)

Launch pad ground systems

Job description

Rocket Lab, a leading space company, is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad based in Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, directing teams, and ensuring readiness of ground systems.

You will develop CONOPS, supervise training, and drive improvements across ground support systems, with a focus on safety, reliability, and high-availability operations.