Senior Avionics Test & Launch Lead

NCAEC; Virginia; On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan options

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab, based at Wallops Island, VA, seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will manage avionics hardware, software, and ground networks, with a focus on reliability and safety.

You will lead teams, develop procedures, and coordinate cross‑discipline activities to ensure mission readiness and continuous improvement in operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics, RF, telemetry, flight software, or launch operations.
• Proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software, and ground stations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry, or avionics networking.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Operate as console operator for avionics systems in Mission Control during test campaigns and launches.
• Develop CONOPS for avionics, flight software, and ground networks; create and improve test plans and procedures.
• Design HMIs for avionics monitoring and ground station control; lead readiness reviews and training simulations.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations; drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.

Skills

Avionics hardware

Flight software

Ground station ops

Telemetry systems

RF systems

Leadership

Education

Electrical/Computer/Aerospace/Software degree

Tools

DO-178C knowledge

Job description

Rocket Lab, based at Wallops Island, VA, seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will manage avionics hardware, software, and ground networks, with a focus on reliability and safety.

You will lead teams, develop procedures, and coordinate cross‑discipline activities to ensure mission readiness and continuous improvement in operations.