Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad
Rocket Lab · Wallops Island, VA
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 8+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Rocket Lab (aerospace & defense) in Wallops Island, VA. In this role, you will coordinate across disciplines to resolve complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure operational procedures and infrastructure scale to support an increasing launch cadence.
- They ask for
- 8+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, PLC
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At a glance
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Your game plan for this job
Most people just hit Apply. Do these first and you show up with someone on the inside.
- 1
Find 2–3 people on the Production team at this site
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply most.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
Ask about the work, not for a referral. We write it for you.
- 3
Have a 15-minute chat
Good questions for this role:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply, ideally with a referral
Ask if they'd refer you or introduce you to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link and tell them the day you apply.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
About the role
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or other technical field
5-8+ years of engineering experience in ground systems, industrial controls, fluid systems, or launch operations
Proficiency with ground support equipment, industrial control systems (including PLCs and automated sequencing), and launch pad systems
Experience with cryogenic systems, pressurization systems, propellant handling, and launch vehicle tanking operations
Experience in high-reliability ground systems design, testing, or operations
Demonstrated leadership competencies, including change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team management
Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for ground systems
Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations
Requirements
- ✓This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional e
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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 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 2 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.
Lead Test & Launch Engineer – Launch Pad
Based out of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA, the Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer are responsible for the end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, including the configuration and operation of related facilities and infrastructure. As a senior operational leader, you will oversee teams of engineers, manage operational projects, and ensure the readiness and capability of your discipline area. You will develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for your systems during mission-critical operations. In this role, you will coordinate across disciplines to resolve complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure operational procedures and infrastructure scale to support an increasing launch cadence. The Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer balances time between Mission Control operations, team leadership, and strategic planning for future operational capabilities.
What you'll get to do
Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, and infrastructure for Electron and Neutron launch operations
Work in Mission Control as the console operator for launch pad systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations
Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for launch pad systems and ground support equipment
Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for ground systems operations
Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for ground systems monitoring and control
Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for ground systems operations
Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve ground systems 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 ground systems anomalies
Drive the development of Neutron ground systems operations procedures and testing campaigns
R esponsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.
D evelop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for their systems during mission-critical operations
Would be nice to have
Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments
Aviation, aircrew , or flight test experience as an alternative background
Hands-on experience with launch vehicle ground operations at an active launch site
Experience leading ground systems testing programs or static test campaigns
Track record of leading teams
Solid understanding of fluid systems and high-pressure gas systems
Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems
Background in real-time data analysis and troubleshooting during live operations