Lead, Test & Launch Operations Engineer- Launch Pad

rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Engineer - Launch Pad at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch operations, and ground systems for Electron and Neutron vehicles, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring readiness.

You will develop CONOPS, improve procedures, and lead training and readiness reviews to sustain increasing launch cadence in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering or related field.
• 5+ 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 launch pad systems.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, pressurization, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies and safe, high-reliability operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams responsible for launch pad ground systems and infrastructure.
• Operate Mission Control as console operator during tests and launches.
• Develop CONOPS for launch pad systems and ground support equipment.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for ground systems monitoring and control.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during operations.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for console positions.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomalies.

Skills

Ground systems

Industrial controls

Launch operations

Cryogenic systems

Propellant handling

Team leadership

Hazardous ops safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering

Tools

Ground support equipment

PLC control systems

Automated sequencing

Launch pad systems

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded end-to-end space company. The rocket can deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, enable interplanetary payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform, Neutron will deliver a very cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven history with Electron - the second most launched rocket, worldwide, in 2024. If you're interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.

HASTE

HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a specialized variant of Rocket Lab's proven Electron launch vehicle, designed to support hypersonic flight testing and research missions. Operating from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia, Electron HASTE provides a unique capability to deliver hypersonic test vehicles to the required flight conditions for cutting-edge aerodynamic and propulsion research.

The program represents an exciting evolution of the Electron platform, supporting critical national defense and aerospace research objectives while maintaining Rocket Lab's commitment to rapid, reliable launch operations.

Lead Test & Launch Engineer - Launch Pad

Based out of Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA, the Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer are responsible for the end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, including the configuration and operation of related facilities and infrastructure. As a senior operational leader, you will oversee teams of engineers, manage operational projects, and ensure the readiness and capability of your discipline area. You will develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for your systems during mission-critical operations. In this role, you will coordinate across disciplines to resolve complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure operational procedures and infrastructure scale to support an increasing launch cadence. The Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer balances time between 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 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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field
• 5+ 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 safe