Senior Vehicle Test and Launch Engineer

rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

Medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Test and Launch Operations team leads testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron, delivering integrated stage testing and real-time problem solving. The Senior Engineer role combines hands-on engineering with leadership across multiple operations disciplines.

The position may be filled at Engineer II or Senior Engineer level, reflecting experience. Expect ongoing mentorship, process improvement, and opportunities across a fast-growing space company in Virginia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field (aerospace/mechanical/electrical/mechatronic).
• 5+ years in engineering design, test, or operations focusing on mechanical/propulsion systems.
• 9+ years experience may substitute for degree.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test mechanical systems for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles.
• Oversee configuration and checkout of launch vehicle systems.
• Lead and manage testing projects including static and integrated stage hot fire tests.
• Mentor operators on mechanical and propulsion systems.
• Develop CONOPS and human-machine interfaces for vehicle stages and engines.
• Perform real-time troubleshooting to resolve test/operations issues.
• Write, review, and execute operations procedures.

Skills

Engineering design

Test & operations

Propulsion systems

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded end-to-end space company. The rocket can deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, enable interplanetary payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform, Neutron will deliver a very cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven history with Electron - the third most launched rocket, worldwide, in 2024. If you're interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.

SENIOR VEHICLE TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER

The Test and Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab is responsible for testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicle. Starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch operations, and on-orbit operations. Integrated Operations is also responsible for configuration, checkout, and operation of related facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.

The Test and Launch Engineer will have a detailed understanding of disciplines related to testing and operations. The Engineer will have or develop skills in multiple operational roles, including roles where they will direct, mentor, and train other operators. In addition, the Engineer II will take a leadership/ownership role in testing and operations projects and process or tool development efforts.

(Please note - this role can be hired on at a Engineer II or Senior Engineer level)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Develop, integrate, and test mechanical systems relating to the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles
• Oversee the configuration and checkout of launch vehicle systems
• Lead and manage testing projects for launch vehicle systems, including static testing and integrated stage hot fire testing
• Mentor and train other operators within the Integrated Operations team on launch vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems
• Develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) related to vehicle stage and engine hardware
• Perform real-time troubleshooting to resolve test/operations issues
• Author, review and carry out operations procedures

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR VEHICLE TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER:

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, mechanical, electrical or mechatronic engineering)
• 5+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations, in the focus of mechanical or propulsion systems
• 9+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
• Experience with integrated stage thermal/fluid systems design/test/operations, and/or experience in a propulsion test/operations environment
• Solid understanding and experience working with fluid/ cryogenic/ pressurized/ hazardous systems
• Good understanding/experience of real-time hazardous operations

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.

• our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock)
• top-tier medical plans
• dental and vision coverage
• paid vacation and sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• flexible spending and dependent care accounts
• paid parental leave
• disability and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• other discounts and perks

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$115,000 - $164,000 USD

Base Salary

$100,000 - $125,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an e