Lead Launch Pad & Test Operations Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 149,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad to drive end-to-end testing, launch readiness, and mission control coordination for Electron and Neutron vehicles at Wallops Island, VA.

You will lead engineers, develop CONOPS, improve procedures, and ensure safe, reliable operations with a strong focus on real-time analysis and rapid decision-making. Competitive compensation and equity accompany the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field.
• Experience leading ground systems testing or mission simulations is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills for complex system operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems and infrastructure.
• Serve as console operator in Mission Control during tests and launches.
• Develop CONOPS and test plans for ground systems operations.
• Create and improve procedures, checklists, and HMIs for ground systems monitoring.
• Conduct real-time data analysis to troubleshoot anomalies during live operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Ground systems

Mission Control

Troubleshooting

Test planning

Operational readiness

Data analysis

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA

Ground support equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad to drive end-to-end testing, launch readiness, and mission control coordination for Electron and Neutron vehicles at Wallops Island, VA.

You will lead engineers, develop CONOPS, improve procedures, and ensure safe, reliable operations with a strong focus on real-time analysis and rapid decision-making. Competitive compensation and equity accompany the role.