Senior Test & Launch Operations Lead

Rocket Lab Corporation; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer for Vehicle systems at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, managing a multidisciplinary engineering team and ensuring readiness of facilities and procedures.

You will develop training programs, conduct readiness reviews, and serve as a technical authority during mission-critical operations, coordinating across disciplines to scale capabilities and maintain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or other technical field.
• 5-8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems, aviation, launch vehicles, or spacecraft.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to manage cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers for vehicle mechanical, propulsion, and fluid systems.
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator during test campaigns and launches.
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for vehicle systems.
• Create and improve test plans, procedures, and checklists for operations.
• Design HMIs for vehicle systems monitoring and control.
• Lead readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis to resolve anomalies.
• Conduct post-test data analysis to identify trends and improvements.
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programs.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Aerospace systems

Leadership

Mission Control

Test plans

Operational procedures

Safety protocols

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or other technical degree

Job description

Rocket Lab seeks a Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer for Vehicle systems at Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, managing a multidisciplinary engineering team and ensuring readiness of facilities and procedures.

You will develop training programs, conduct readiness reviews, and serve as a technical authority during mission-critical operations, coordinating across disciplines to scale capabilities and maintain