Mission Control Test & Launch Engineer II

Rocket Lab USA; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Test and Launch Engineer II - Vehicle to join the Mission Control team in Virginia. You will act as a console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launches, and you will develop procedures, HMIs, and checklists for vehicle operations.

You will lead testing projects, perform real-time troubleshooting, and analyze data to drive continuous improvement across Electron and Neutron missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; 2+ years in engineering design, test and/or operations focusing on mechanical, propulsion or fluid systems.
• 4+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Work in Mission Control as a console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations.
• Develop and improve HMIs for vehicle systems monitoring and control.
• Participate in operational 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 relating to Electron and Neutron launch vehicles.
• Oversee the 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 within the Test and Launch Operations team on launch vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems.
• Author, review and carry out operations procedures for vehicle systems.
• Support the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures.
• Receive instructional training and become qualified as a launch operator on Electron launch vehicles.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Propulsion systems

Fluid systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Test and Launch Engineer II - Vehicle to join the Mission Control team in Virginia. You will act as a console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launches, and you will develop procedures, HMIs, and checklists for vehicle operations.

You will lead testing projects, perform real-time troubleshooting, and analyze data to drive continuous improvement across Electron and Neutron missions.