Senior Launch Test & Mission Operations Lead

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, Virginia, seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Launch Pad to oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles. You will guide teams, coordinate across disciplines, and ensure readiness of ground systems and facilities.

You will develop training programs, conduct readiness reviews, and serve as the technical authority for systems during critical operations, balancing mission control leadership with field engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field as listed.
• 5-8+ 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 (change management, conflict resolution, escalation, 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 for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron launches.
• Serve as console operator in Mission Control 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 ground systems monitoring and control.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for ground systems operations.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve anomalies.
• Conduct post-test data analysis to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices to prepare operators for console roles.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron ground systems operations procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Ground systems engineering

Industrial controls

Launch operations

Leadership

Hazardous operations safety

Operational procedures

Mission Control experience

Education

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

Job description

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, Virginia, seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Launch Pad to oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles. You will guide teams, coordinate across disciplines, and ensure readiness of ground systems and facilities.

You will develop training programs, conduct readiness reviews, and serve as the technical authority for systems during critical operations, balancing mission control leadership with field engineering