Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer - Vehicle

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k)

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer to oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, including facility readiness and team leadership.

You will develop CONOPS, create robust test plans, and lead readiness reviews while mentoring engineers across multiple propulsion and fluid systems. Collaboration with operations, training, and engineering teams will ensure mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems, aviation, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.
• Demonstrated proficiency with rocket propulsion systems and fluid/thermal systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical systems, propulsion systems, and fluid systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems.
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for vehicle systems monitoring and control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for vehicle operations.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve vehicle 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 vehicle anomalies.
• Drive the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Team leadership

Mission Control

Operational readiness

Root-cause analysis

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering

Tools

HMIs

Job description

Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Vehicle

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer is responsible for end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, configuration and operation of related facilities and infrastructure, leadership of engineering teams, and development of training and readiness programs.

What You’ll Get to Do

• Lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical systems, propulsion systems, and fluid systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch
• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations
• Design and implement Human–Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for vehicle systems monitoring and control
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for vehicle operations
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve vehicle 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 vehicle anomalies
• Drive the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures and testing campaigns
• Lead Engineers are highly experienced operators who have demonstrated mastery across multiple systems and operational scenarios
• 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or other technical degree
• 5‑8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems, aviation, launch vehicles, or spacecraft
• Aviation/aircrew experience may be considered as an alternative
• Demonstrated proficiency with rocket propulsion systems and fluid/thermal systems
• Experience with high‑reliability aerospace systems design, test, or operations
• Experience with vehicle tanking, propellant handling, and pressurized fluid systems
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team management
• Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for propulsion systems
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations

Nice to Have

• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments
• Aviation/aircrew/flight test experience considered as an alternative
• Experience with launch vehicle operations including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
• Experience with integrated stage thermal/fluid systems design, test, or operations, and/or experience in a propulsion test/operations environment
• Experience with spacecraft or crew‑rated vehicle systems
• Track record of leading teams
• Experience leading hot‑fire testing programs or static test campaigns
• Solid understanding of cryogenic systems and high‑pressure gas 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

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, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also 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.

What to Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in U.S. 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.

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.