Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer–Avionics

InvestedintheMission; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary 110,000–140,000 USD (VA)

Stock options & incentives

Insurance & 401(k)

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics at its Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end‑to‑end avionics testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, including CONOPS development and HMIs for monitoring and control.

The role requires leading engineering teams, conducting mission simulations, and performing real‑time data analysis to resolve avionics issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering or related field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations.
• Proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software systems and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry systems, or avionics networking infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and team management.
• Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead avionics hardware, software, and ground station teams for Electron and Neutron operations.
• Operate as console operator in Mission Control for avionics during tests and launches.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for avionics, flight software, and ground networks.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for avionics operations.
• Design HMIs for avionics monitoring and ground station control.
• Lead readiness reviews, simulations, and rehearsals for avionics operations.
• Troubleshoot and analyze data in real‑time to fix avionics/communication issues.
• Analyze post‑test data to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for avionics anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing.
• Serve as primary technical authority for avionics during mission‑critical ops.

Skills

Avionics systems

RF systems

Ground station operations

Flight software

Leadership

Root-cause analysis

Telemetry

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering

Tools

DO-178C

Job description

Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA, the Lead Test & Launch Engineer is responsible for the end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, including configuration and operation of related facilities and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for avionics systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks.
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for avionics operations.
• Design and implement Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for avionics monitoring, telemetry display, and ground station control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication system 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 avionics anomalies.
• Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for avionics systems during mission‑critical operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software systems and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry systems, or avionics networking infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and team management.
• Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

Nice to Have

• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments.
• Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations.
• Experience with flight software development, verification, or operations.
• Experience with ground station operations, RF link analysis, or telemetry processing.
• Track record of leading teams in similar settings.
• Experience with real‑time embedded systems or flight‑control software.
• Knowledge of DO‑178C or other software certification standards.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and real‑time monitoring systems.
• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems.

Additional Requirements

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Benefits

• Base salary $110,000–$140,000USD (VA Only)
• Potential eligibility for company stock, cash incentives, and the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Other discounts and perks.

Eligibility for U.S. Office Positions

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise meet eligibility requirements. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.