Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics

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...

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 t...

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 s...

Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations  
Work in Mission Control as the console operator for avionics systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations  
Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks  
Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for avionics operations  
Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for avionics monitoring, telemetry display, and ground station control  
Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations  
Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication 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 avionics anomalies  
Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns  
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 

Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical degree  
5-8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations  
Demonstrated proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations  
Experience with high-reliability software systems and safety-critical aerospace software  
Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry systems, or avionics networking infrastructure  
Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate/request help, and effectively managing a team  
Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems  
Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations  
Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments  
Aviation/Aircrew/Flight Test may be considered an alternative  
Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations  
Experience with flight software development, verification, or operations  
Experience with ground station operations, RF link analysis, or telemetry processing  
Track record of leading teams  
Experience with real-time embedded systems or flight control software  
Knowledge of DO-178C or other software certification standards  
Experience with data acquisition systems and real-time monitoring systems  
Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems  

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO