Senior Launch Test & Operations Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer for the Launch Pad based at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, coordinating facilities, teams, and safety procedures to ensure readiness for high‑cadence flight campaigns.

As a senior operations engineer, you will drive CONOPS, test planning, and HMIs, while mentoring engineers and delivering robust procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 5–8+ years in ground systems or launch operations.
• Experience with cryogenic/propellant handling and tanking operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers for launch pad ground systems.
• Serve as console operator in Mission Control during tests and launches.
• Develop CONOPS for launch pad systems and ground support equipment.
• Oversee readiness reviews and training simulations.
• Drive root‑cause analyses and improvement programs.

Skills

Ground systems leadership

Mission control familiarity

Troubleshooting & data analysis

Operational readiness

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical field

Tools

PLC & automation systems

HMI development

Ground support equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer for the Launch Pad based at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, coordinating facilities, teams, and safety procedures to ensure readiness for high‑cadence flight campaigns.

As a senior operations engineer, you will drive CONOPS, test planning, and HMIs, while mentoring engineers and delivering robust procedures.