Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer - Vehicle
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
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About the role
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or other technical degree
5-8+ years of engineering experience with propulsion systems, aviation, launch vehicles, or spacecraft
Aviation/aircrew may be considered an alternative to this
Demonstrated proficiency with rocket propulsion systems and fluid/thermal systems
Experience with high-reliability aerospace systems design, test, or operations
Experience with vehicle tanking, propellant handling, and pressurized fluid systems
Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate/request help, and effectively managing a team
Understanding of hazardous operations and safety protocols for propulsion systems
Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations
Experience with spacecraft or crew-rated vehicle systems
Track record of leading teams
Experience leading hot fire testing programs or static test campaigns
Solid understanding of cryogenic systems and high-p
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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 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.
L ead t est & l aunch e ngineer – vehicle
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 vehicle mechanical systems, propulsion systems, and fluid systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations
Work in Mission Control as the console operator for vehicle systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch
Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems
Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for vehicle operations
Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for vehicle systems monitoring and control
Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for vehicle operations
Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve vehicle system 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 vehicle anomalies
Drive the development of Neutron vehicle operations procedures and testing campaigns
Lead Engineers are highly experienced operators who have demonstrated mastery across multiple systems and operational scenarios
Responsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.
Develop 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/Flight Test may be considered an alternative
Experience with launch vehicle operations including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
Experience with integrated stage thermal/fluid systems design/test/operations, and/or experience in a propulsion test/operations environment