Senior Launch Pad Test & Operations Lead

HBCUNetwork; Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance coverage

Dental insurance coverage

Vision insurance coverage

401(k) retirement plan options

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Paid parental leave

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer for Launch Pad based at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, mission operations for Electron and Neutron, directing ground systems, facilities, and infrastructure readiness.

You’ll lead cross-functional teams, develop CONOPS, plans, and procedures while advancing operational capabilities. You’ll split time between Mission Control, team leadership, and strategic planning, guiding staff through readiness

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience in ground systems, industrial controls, fluid systems, or launch operations.
• Proficiency with ground support equipment and PLC-based control systems.
• Experience with cryogenic, pressurization, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking operations.
• Experience in high-reliability ground systems design, testing, or operations.
• Strong leadership competencies and team management experience.
• Understanding hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure.
• Operate in Mission Control as console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for launch pad systems and ground support equipment.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations.
• Design and implement HMIs for monitoring and control of ground systems.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Troubleshoot and analyze data in real-time during live operations to resolve anomalies.
• Perform post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for console operators.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action for ground systems anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron ground systems procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Operational readiness

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering or other technical field

Tools

Ground support equipment

Industrial control systems (PLCs)

Automation sequencing

Launch pad systems

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer for Launch Pad based at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, mission operations for Electron and Neutron, directing ground systems, facilities, and infrastructure readiness.

You’ll lead cross-functional teams, develop CONOPS, plans, and procedures while advancing operational capabilities. You’ll split time between Mission Control, team leadership, and strategic planning, guiding staff through readiness