Senior Vehicle Test & Launch Operations Lead

Rocket Lab Corp.; Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Vehicle to manage end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles at Launch Complex 3, Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee senior engineers, drive CONOPS, and coordinate cross-discipline teams to ensure readiness for increasing launch cadence.

The role emphasizes leadership, hands-on console operation, and development of training programs and procedures to maintain high operational readiness in

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 proficiency with rocket propulsion systems and fluid/thermal systems
• Experience with high-reliability aerospace systems design, test, or operations
• Experience with vehicle tanking, propellant handling, and pressurized fluid systems
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate/request help, and effectively managing a team
• Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for propulsion systems
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for vehicle mechanical systems, propulsion systems, and fluid systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations
• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch
• Develop and maintain CONOPS for vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems
• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations
• Design and implement HMIs for vehicle systems monitoring and control
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for vehicle operations
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve vehicle system anomalies
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities
• Develop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positions
• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for vehicle anomalies
• Drive the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures and testing campaigns
• Lead engineers across multiple systems and operational scenarios
• Responsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.
• Develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for their systems during mission-critical operations

Skills

Team leadership

Mission Control

Propulsion systems

Fluid/thermal systems

Rocket propulsion

Operational procedures

Data analysis

Root-cause analysis

HMI design

Leadership competencies

Education

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

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Vehicle to manage end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles at Launch Complex 3, Wallops Island, VA. You will oversee senior engineers, drive CONOPS, and coordinate cross-discipline teams to ensure readiness for increasing launch cadence.

The role emphasizes leadership, hands-on console operation, and development of training programs and procedures to maintain high operational readiness in