Test and Launch Operations Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation is hiring a full-time Test and Launch Operations Engineer I in Wallops Island, VA to oversee critical ground systems for rocket testing and launches.

Position Summary

The Test and Launch Operations Engineer I at Rocket Lab Corporation in Wallops Island, VA delivers years of vehicle design and production into actual flight by running Electron and Neutron launch systems from the control room across integrated testing and full launch campaigns. Placed in the Ground Systems group, this position covers launch pad infrastructure, ground support equipment, fluid networks, and every facility process that makes liftoff possible. You run advanced test sequences, track live ground data streams, issue go or no-go judgments, and direct support hardware through countdown and flight phases. Base pay for this Virginia role ranges from $80,000 to $95,000 USD, set by experience and qualifications; the package can also feature stock or cash incentives, an employee stock purchase option, medical dental and vision coverage, 401(k) choices, paid vacation holidays and sick time, paid parental leave, plus further discounts. The work may require long stretches of sitting, standing, walking and computer use along with occasional moderate noise, dust or fumes in production spaces. U.S. Government space-technology export rules including ITAR require U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or eligibility for the needed authorizations.

Core Duties

• Act as console operator for Electron and Neutron ground systems throughout tests, rehearsals and launches.
• Contribute to development, integration and validation of launch-pad infrastructure, ground support equipment and facility systems.
• Direct testing campaigns that include commissioning of ground support equipment and readiness assessments of ground systems.
• Control configuration and verification of launch-pad hardware and facility installations.
• Draft and refine operational procedures, test plans and emergency-response protocols for ground activities.
• Create and upgrade human-machine interfaces for ground control systems so operators work more efficiently.
• Identify and correct real-time problems that surface during test and launch sequences.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Mechatronic Engineering.
• One or more years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations or in electrical/software engineering.
• Two or more years of relevant experience accepted in place of a degree.
• Preferred: two-plus years in engineering design, test and/or operations.
• Preferred: prior work with launch-complex infrastructure, pad systems or ground-support-equipment design and operations.
• Preferred: solid knowledge and hands-on practice with fluid systems, cryogenic systems, pressurized systems and hazardous-materials handling.
• Preferred: practical experience conducting real-time hazardous operations involving propellants, high-pressure gases or hydraulic systems.
• Preferred: experience writing operational procedures, test plans, CONOPS documentation or emergency-response procedures.

About Rocket Lab Corporation

Rocket Lab Corporation functions as a full-spectrum space organization that supplies rapid launch services, complete spacecraft design and fabrication, payloads, satellite components and related offerings, all intended to widen access to space. Its rockets and satellites support ambitious global missions covering scientific discovery, Earth observation, climate-change responses, national security and new technology demonstrations. Electron has become the second-most-frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites on orbit while the company advances Neutron, a medium-lift reusable vehicle for large constellation deployment. The Space Systems portion designs and manufactures satellites, payloads and parts, including vehicles chosen for NASA lunar and Martian missions and hardware flown on the James Webb Space Telescope. Neutron is sized for tomorrow’s mega-constellations, high-assurance payloads and human spaceflight; as a reusable platform it will furnish a cost-effective, reliable launch solution resting on Rocket Lab Corporation’s proven Electron record. The firm seeks high-performing team members who value tight collaboration and relentless progress toward making space more accessible.

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