Senior Launch Test & Operations Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, Virginia, seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Vehicle to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will lead teams, develop training, and serve as the technical authority during mission‑critical operations from Mission Control and the field.

You will manage operational projects, drive process improvements, and ensure readiness and capability across systems while aligning with future capabilities and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering or other technical field.
• 5–8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems or launch vehicles.
• Experience with propulsion, fluid/thermal systems, and high‑reliability aerospace programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical, propulsion and fluid systems.
• Operate Mission Control consoles for test campaigns, rehearsals and launches.
• Develop CONOPS for vehicle systems and improve test plans and procedures.
• Create HMIs for monitoring and control of vehicle systems.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real‑time data analysis to troubleshoot live operations.
• Coordinate cross‑discipline efforts to scale operations for higher cadence.

Skills

Leadership

Mission Control

Propulsion systems

Testing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical

Job description

Rocket Lab in Wallops Island, Virginia, seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Vehicle to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will lead teams, develop training, and serve as the technical authority during mission‑critical operations from Mission Control and the field.

You will manage operational projects, drive process improvements, and ensure readiness and capability across systems while aligning with future capabilities and