Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer - Vehicle

About this role

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

YOU'LL BRING THESE 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  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS 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  

• 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-pressure gas systems

Similar jobs

• Test and Launch Engineer II - Vehicle — Rocketlab · Wallops Island, VA
• Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics — Rocketlab · Wallops Island, VA
• Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad — Rocketlab · Wallops Island, VA
• Vehicle Test and Launch Engineer II/Senior — Rocketlab · Wallops Island, VA
• Lead Test Engineer — Peakenergy · Sacramento, CA
• Test and Launch Operations Engineer I — Rocketlab · Wallops Island, VA
• Staff Vehicle Test Engineer — Ridealso · Palo Alto
• Lead Test Engineer 85 — Freedomconsulting · Annapolis Junction, MD