Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer- Launch Pad

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will manage a team, coordinate across disciplines, and ensure readiness of ground systems and infrastructure for increasing launch cadence.

You will develop training, conduct readiness reviews and serve as the technical authority during mission‑critical operations, driving process improvements and scalable procedures across

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 responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluids, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for launch pad systems during tests, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop and maintain 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 for ground systems operations.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve anomalies.
• Conduct post‑test and post‑launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices to prepare operators for console positions.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron ground systems procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Conflict resolution

Team management

Operational readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA/Control systems

Job description

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 is 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 coordinate across disciplines to resolve complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure operational procedures and infrastructure scale to support an increasing launch cadence.

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.

YOU'LL BRING THESE 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.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments.
• Aviation, aircrew, or flight test experience as an alternative background.
• Hands‑on experience with launch vehicle ground operations at an active launch site.
• Experience leading ground systems testing programs or static test campaigns.
• Track record of leading teams.
• Solid understanding of fluid systems and high‑pressure gas systems.
• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems.
• Background in real‑time data analysis and troubleshooting during live operations.

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

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. 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 coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR.

EQUALITY 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. 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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, see ITAR Regulations.