Lead Test & Launch Engineer - Ground Systems Lead

AFE; 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. You’ll lead engineers, manage projects, and serve as the primary technical authority for ground systems during critical operations.

Based at Launch Complex 3, you’ll develop CONOPS, train teams, run readiness reviews, and drive improvements to ground systems and procedures.

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 a team of engineers for launch pad ground systems and infrastructure.
• Operate Mission Control console during campaigns, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop CONOPS for launch pad systems and ground support equipment.
• 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 troubleshooting and data analysis during live ops.
• Conduct post-test analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators.
• Lead root-cause analyses and corrective actions for ground systems.
• Support Neutron ground systems testing campaigns.
• Maintain overall readiness and capability of discipline area.

Skills

Leadership

Ground systems knowledge

Safety culture

Operational procedures

Mission simulations

Troubleshooting

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

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. You’ll lead engineers, manage projects, and serve as the primary technical authority for ground systems during critical operations.

Based at Launch Complex 3, you’ll develop CONOPS, train teams, run readiness reviews, and drive improvements to ground systems and procedures.