Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer–Avionics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock Purchase Program

Medical Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

Rocket Lab, a leader in orbital launch services, seeks a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics to drive end-to-end avionics testing, mission control operations, and procedural development for Electron and Neutron programs.

You will lead a team, develop CONOPS, and craft tests, HMIs, and readiness processes to ensure safe, reliable flight operations across campaigns and launches. Strong leadership and technical depth are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations.
• Proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software, and ground station operations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software systems and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry processing.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management and team management.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

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.
• Responsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.

Skills

Avionics systems

RF systems

Telemetry

Flight software

Ground station operations

Leadership

Operational procedures

Mission simulations

Root-cause analysis

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer/aerospace/ software engineering

Tools

CONOPS development

Testing and validation

Mission control software

Job description

Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics

Wallops Island, VA

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

The Lead Test & Launch Operations 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. The role balances Mission Control operations, team leadership, and strategic planning for future operational capabilities.

What You'll Get to Do

• 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
• Responsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area

You'll Bring These Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical degree
• 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, especially 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

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments
• Aviation/Aircrew/Flight Test may be considered an alternative
• 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
• 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

Base Pay Range (VA Only): $110,000 – $140,000 USD

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package. You may be eligible for company stock, cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents, or meet other eligibility requirements for U.S. government clearance. Learn more about ITAR here.