Senior Launch Operations Lead - Vehicle Systems

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer based at Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, coordinating across disciplines and serving as the primary technical authority for system readiness.

You will balance mission-control duties, team leadership, and strategic planning to scale operations, develop CONOPS, and drive safety and reliability standards across vehicle systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or other technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems, aviation, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.
• Experience with rocket propulsion systems and fluid/thermal systems.
• Leadership competencies including change management and team leadership.
• Knowledge of hazardous operations and safety protocols for propulsion systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and mission simulations.
• Ability to coordinate across disciplines and lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical, propulsion, and fluid systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems.
• Create and continuously improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for vehicle systems monitoring and control.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve vehicle system anomalies.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators.
• Lead root-cause analyses and corrective action programs for vehicle anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Leadership

Propulsion Systems

Aerospace Engineering

Operational Procedures

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical Engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab seeks a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer based at Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles, coordinating across disciplines and serving as the primary technical authority for system readiness.

You will balance mission-control duties, team leadership, and strategic planning to scale operations, develop CONOPS, and drive safety and reliability standards across vehicle systems.