Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Launch Pad

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   YOU'LL BRING THESE 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   THESE QUALIFICATIONS 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   ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: