Senior Launch Test & Operations Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will manage a team, coordinate across disciplines, and ensure readiness of ground systems and infrastructure for increasing launch cadence.

You will develop training, conduct readiness reviews and serve as the technical authority during mission‑critical operations, driving process improvements and scalable procedures across

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, 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, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team management.
• Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluids, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron operations.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for launch pad systems during tests, 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 and post‑launch data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices to prepare operators for console positions.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective action programs for ground systems anomalies.
• Drive development of Neutron ground systems procedures and testing campaigns.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Conflict resolution

Team management

Operational readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA/Control systems

Job description

Rocket Lab USA in Wallops Island, VA seeks a Lead Test & Launch Engineer to oversee end‑to‑end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will manage a team, coordinate across disciplines, and ensure readiness of ground systems and infrastructure for increasing launch cadence.

You will develop training, conduct readiness reviews and serve as the technical authority during mission‑critical operations, driving process improvements and scalable procedures across