Senior Launch Operations Lead – Ground Systems

Telemetry Today LLC; Virginia; On-site; USD 149,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Stock discount

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad based at Wallops Island, VA. You will lead a team responsible for Electron and Neutron launch pad ground systems, supervise mission control console operations, and shape CONOPS and procedures for safe, reliable launches.

You will design HMIs, oversee readiness reviews and simulations, perform real-time troubleshooting, and drive post-launch data analysis to identify improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in ground systems, industrial controls, fluid systems, or launch operations.
• Proficiency with ground support equipment, industrial control systems (including PLCs and automated sequencing), and launch pad systems.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, pressurization systems, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking operations.
• Experience in high-reliability ground systems design, testing, or operations.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team management.
• Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Ground systems

Industrial controls

Launch operations

Cryogenic systems

Hazardous operations

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Ground support equipment

Industrial control systems (PLCs)

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad based at Wallops Island, VA. You will lead a team responsible for Electron and Neutron launch pad ground systems, supervise mission control console operations, and shape CONOPS and procedures for safe, reliable launches.

You will design HMIs, oversee readiness reviews and simulations, perform real-time troubleshooting, and drive post-launch data analysis to identify improvements.