Test and Launch Engineer II - Launch Pad

Rocket Lab USA; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Virginia is seeking a Test and Launch Engineer II - Launch Pad to manage console operations in Mission Control during test campaigns and launches. You will develop test plans, procedures, and HMIs for ground systems, and contribute to readiness reviews and live mission support.

The role demands 2+ years in engineering design or operations, with 4+ years favoring substitution for a degree. Equal opportunity employer; ITAR compliance applies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical) preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations.
• 4+ years of experience may substitute for a degree.

Responsibilities

• Work in Mission Control as a console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations.
• Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations.
• Develop and improve HMIs for ground systems monitoring and control.
• Participate in readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals.
• Troubleshoot and analyze data in real time during live operations to resolve issues.
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to support continuous improvement.
• Develop, operate, and test ground systems for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles.
• Oversee configuration and checkout of launch pad systems including GSE, fluids, and controls.
• Lead and manage testing projects for ground systems including cryogenic loading tests and pressurization checkouts.
• Mentor and train other operators on launch pad systems and ground operations.
• Author and review operations procedures for launch pad systems.
• Support development of Neutron ground systems and procedures.
• Receive training and become qualified as a launch operator on Electron vehicles.

Skills

Engineering design experience

Test and/or operations experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical)

4+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

Job description

TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER II - LAUNCH PAD

The Test and Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab manages all aspects of testing, launching, and mission operations for the Electron and Neutron rockets, including facility and equipment oversight. Test and Launch Engineers serve as mission controllers, developing procedures, conducting real-time operations, analyzing data, and ensuring safe and reliable launches from Mission Control. They are responsible for troubleshooting issues, leading training exercises, and making critical decisions during live missions. Test and Launch Engineer II position is an advanced role for operators who can independently manage console operations, mentor junior staff, and lead projects to improve procedures and systems. This engineer plays a key role in continuous operational improvement and support both Electron and Neutron missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Work in Mission Control as a console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations
• Develop and maintain test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations
• Develop and improve Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for ground systems monitoring and control
• Participate in operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve ground systems issues
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to support continuous improvement efforts
• Develop, operate, and test ground systems relating to Electron and Neutron launch vehicles
• Oversee the configuration and checkout of launch pad systems including GSE, fluid systems, and industrial controls
• Lead and manage testing projects for ground systems, including cryogenic loading tests, pressurization system checkouts, and integrated pad operations
• Mentor and train other operators within the Test and Launch Operations team on launch pad systems and ground operations
• Author, review and carry out operations procedures for launch pad systems
• Support the development of Neutron ground systems and operations procedures
• Receive instructional training and become qualified as a launch operator on Electron launch vehicles

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering)
• 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations, with focus on ground systems, industrial controls, or fluid systems
• 4+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 3+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations
• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments
• Aviation/Aircrew/Flight Test may be considered an alternative
• Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
• Experience with ground support equipment, launch pad systems, or industrial control systems
• Solid understanding and experience working with fluid/cryogenic/pressurized/hazardous systems
• Good understanding/experience of real-time hazardous operations
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, or automated control sequences
• Knowledge of propellant handling operations
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, or HMIs
• Background in real-time data analysis and troubleshooting

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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.

Base Pay Range (VA Only)

87,000 — 110,000 USD

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.