Test and Launch Engineer II - Launch Pad

Rocket Lab USA; Wallops Island (VA); Vor Ort; USD 94.000 - 122.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Zusammenfassung

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Test and Launch Engineer II – Launch Pad at Wallops Island, VA. You will operate from Mission Control, manage ground-system procedures, and improve HMIs for monitoring and control of Electron and Neutron launch pads.

The role emphasizes design, testing and operational readiness, mentoring staff, and leading projects to enhance launch-pad procedures and systems.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred (Aero/Mech/Elec/Chemical).
• 2+ years in engineering design, test or operations on ground systems.
• 4+ years may substitute for a degree.

Aufgaben

• Work in Mission Control as a console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launches.
• Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations.
• Develop and improve HMIs for ground systems monitoring and control.
• Lead testing projects for ground systems, including cryogenic loading and pressurization checks.
• Mentor operators and carry out operations procedures for launch pad systems.

Kenntnisse

Ground systems

Industrial controls

Fluid systems

Engineering design

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLCs

SCADA systems

Automated control sequences

Jobbeschreibung

Test and Launch Engineer II - Launch Pad

Wallops Island, VA

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 second 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.

HASTE

HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a specialized variant of Rocket Lab's proven Electron launch vehicle, designed to support hypersonic flight testing and research missions. Operating from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island, Virginia, Electron HASTE provides a unique capability to deliver hypersonic test vehicles to the required flight conditions for cutting-edge aerodynamic and propulsion research. The program represents an exciting evolution of the Electron platform, supporting critical national defense and aerospace research objectives while maintaining Rocket Lab's commitment to rapid, reliable launch operations.

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
• 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.

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.

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)

$94,000 - $122,000 USD

$87,000 - $109,000 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 easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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 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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Rocket Lab Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or ...