Senior Avionics Test & Launch Lead

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron. You’ll coordinate facilities, guide teams, and serve as the primary technical authority during mission‑critical operations.

You will develop training programs, conduct readiness reviews, and drive procedures for avionics, flight software, and ground networks while refining HMIs for realtime monitoring and control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations.
• Experience with high‑reliability software systems and safety‑critical aerospace software.
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry systems, or avionics networking infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to elevate or request help, and effectively managing a team.
• Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for avionics systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks.
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for avionics operations.
• Design and implement Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for avionics monitoring, telemetry display, and ground station control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication 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 avionics anomalies.
• Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Avionics systems

RF systems

Telemetry

Flight software

Launch vehicle operations

Avionics hardware

Ground station operations

Safety-critical software

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical degree

Job description

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron. You’ll coordinate facilities, guide teams, and serve as the primary technical authority during mission‑critical operations.

You will develop training programs, conduct readiness reviews, and drive procedures for avionics, flight software, and ground networks while refining HMIs for realtime monitoring and control.