Test Operations Engineer II/Senior Test Operations Engineer

Rocket Lab; Diamondhead (MS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Test Operations Engineer to work at the Stennis Space Center facility in Mississippi. You will activate and operate critical test facilities to support Archimedes and Neutron, collaborating with propulsion and vehicle teams to develop test procedures and sequencing.

The role emphasizes safety, independent work, and the ability to manage facility systems, data, and instrumentation while supporting engine and stage testing activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering; or other technical discipline.
• 2+ years experience operating rocket engine test stands or launch complexes.
• 5+ years experience operating rocket engine test stands or launch complexes.

Responsibilities

• Perform facility test operations on console while maintaining situational awareness and constant communication with others involved in the test activity.
• Lead and be part of a team of technicians and engineers who setup and operate the test facility.
• Conduct test operations safely and ensure the quality and integrity of data is maintained.
• Perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues.
• Work to plan and optimize checkout, processing, testing and post test operations.
• Collaborate with Archimedes engine and Neutron vehicle design teams to prepare and perform tests on key engine and stage hardware.
• Work hand in hand with the GSE teams to complete design, build, installation and checkout of facility systems.

Skills

Test operations

Team leadership

Safety mindset

Instrumentation monitoring

Data acquisition

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering

Tools

Rocket test stands

Instrumentation systems

Data acquisition systems

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.

TEST OPERATIONS ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Test Operations Engineer is responsible for activation and operations of critical test facilities to support the Archimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicle.

You will collaborate closely with Engine and Vehicle Propulsion groups to develop test procedures and test sequencing requirements.

You will be responsible for configuration, checkout and operations of the engine hot fire facility and associated support infrastructure. Your work will require technical discipline and expertise in mechanical systems but also in monitoring instrumentation and command and control systems.

You must be responsible for safety of you and those around you.

You may be asked to directly support engine hardware and engine checkout operations.

You will become skilled in Test Operations roles and be expected to work independently in support of the overall test facility design, build, activation, and engine test efforts.

Please note: This position can be hired as a Level II or Senior Engineer I.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Perform facility test operations on console while maintaining situational awareness and constant communication with others involved in the test activity
• Both lead and be part of a team of technicians and engineers who setup and operate the test facility
• Conduct test operations safely and ensure the quality and integrity of data is maintained
• Perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues
• Work to plan and optimize checkout, processing, testing and post test operations
• Collaborate with Archimedes engine and Neutron vehicle design teams to prepare and perform tests on key engine and stage hardware
• Work hand in hand with the GSE teams to complete design, build, installation and checkout of facility systems This includes helping maintain. cleanliness and integrity of systems, ensuring proper checkouts are performed, and data acquisition systems are properly calibrated

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering; or other technical discipline
• 2+ years experience operating rocket engine test stands or launch complexes

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering; or other technical discipline
• 5+ years experience operating rocket engine test stands or launch complexes

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Broad general background in your engineering discipline with ability to design systems and develop computer tools for automation or analysis
• Experience operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane
• Background that demonstrates personal development which might include pilot training, scouting, sports teams especially any leadership roles in those activities
• Working knowledge of computer networks and IT infrastructure
• Demonstrated experience working with various disciplines, fabricators and suppliers to achieve on-time project execution
• Ability to remain unfazed by ambiguity or changes in strategic direction while maintaining a positive attitude and being self-actualized and self-guided

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

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.

Important information:

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 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.