Mission Control Test & Launch Engineer II

Rocket Lab; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock ownership

Cash incentives

Employee stock purchase program

Medical insurance coverage

Dental insurance coverage

Vision insurance coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Virginia is seeking a Test and Launch Engineer II to join Mission Control as a console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations. You will develop and maintain test plans, operational procedures, and HMIs to improve real-time monitoring and control of Electron and Neutron vehicles.

This role requires engineering experience with mechanical/propulsion/fluid systems, mentoring junior staff, leading testing projects, and conducting post-test

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aero/Mech/Chem preferred) or 4+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations with focus on mechanical, propulsion, or fluid systems.
• 4+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Operate as console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations.
• Develop and improve HMIs for vehicle monitoring and control.
• Participate in readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve vehicle system issues.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to support continuous improvement.
• Develop, integrate, and test mechanical and propulsion systems for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles.
• Oversee configuration and checkout of launch vehicle systems including propulsion units, fluid systems, and mechanical assemblies.
• Lead and manage testing projects for launch vehicle systems, including static testing and integrated stage hot fire testing.
• Mentor and train other operators on launch vehicle systems.
• Author, review and carry out operations procedures for vehicle systems.
• Support the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures.
• Receive training and become qualified as a launch operator on Electron launch vehicles.

Skills

Engineering experience

Mechanical systems

Propulsion systems

Fluid systems

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab in Virginia is seeking a Test and Launch Engineer II to join Mission Control as a console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations. You will develop and maintain test plans, operational procedures, and HMIs to improve real-time monitoring and control of Electron and Neutron vehicles.

This role requires engineering experience with mechanical/propulsion/fluid systems, mentoring junior staff, leading testing projects, and conducting post-test