Test and Launch Operations Engineer I

rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Comprehensive health plans

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) retirement plan with company 2%

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Virginia seeks a Test & Launch Operations Engineer I to translate years of design and manufacturing into flight operations for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles. You will operate avionics consoles, execute complex test sequences, monitor real-time data, and support integration and testing of avionics systems from the control room.

The role focuses on Avionics hardware/software, RF systems, Ground Segment, telemetry, and overall avionics operations enabling launch.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering or related field.
• 1+ years in engineering design, test, or operations.
• 2+ years in lieu of degree will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Operate Electron and Neutron avionics as a launch console operator during tests, rehearsals, and launches.
• Support development, integration, and testing of Avionics systems.
• Lead and execute testing campaigns, including Avionics Integrated Systems testing and readiness checks.
• Manage configuration and verification of Avionics hardware and systems.
• Develop operational procedures, test plans, and emergency response protocols.
• Design and improve HMIs for Avionics systems to enhance operator efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve real-time issues during test and launch operations.

Skills

Engineering design

Test & operations

Electrical/Software engineering

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Mechatronic)

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 capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

TEST & LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER I

Test and Launch Operations Engineers are responsible for taking years of design and manufacturing to flight in the operation of launch vehicles. As a member of Rocket Lab's Test & Launch Operations team, you will be directly responsible for operating the Electron HASTE and Neutron launch vehicles from the control room throughout all phases of integrated systems testing and launch operations. You will execute complex test sequences, monitor real-time avionics data, make critical go/no-go decisions, and command Avionics systems during countdown and flight operations.

This role is within the Avionics discipline, responsible for Avionics Hardware and software, Radio Frequency (RF) systems, Ground Segment, Telemetry, Networking and all Avionics operations that enable launch.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Operate Electron and Neutron Avionics as a launch console operator during tests, rehearsals, and launches.
• Support development, integration, and testing of Avionics systems.
• Lead and execute testing campaigns, including Avionics Integrated Systems testing and readiness checks.
• Manage configuration and verification of Avionics hardware and systems.
• Develop operational procedures, test plans, and emergency response protocols.
• Design and improve HMIs for Avionics systems to enhance operator efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve real-time issues during test and launch operations.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS TEST & LAUNCH OPERATIONS ENGINEER I

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Mechatronic Engineering)
• 1+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations, electrical/software engineering
• 2+ years of relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations
• Background in Avionics equipment design/operations
• Solid understanding and hands- on experience working with Avionics Hardware/Software, RF systems, Ground Segment, Telemetry Tracking and Command
• Good understanding and practical experience conducting real-time hazardous operations with Avionics Systems
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, CONOPS documentation, or emergency response procedures

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)

$100,000 - $113,000 USD

Base Salary

$76,000 - $95,000 USD

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.

and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossibl