Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer - Vehicle

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 lea