Director, Test Site Operations

Director, Test Site Operations

Oversee operations at Rocket Lab’s Test Facility on site at NASA Stennis Space Center. Own all test infrastructure and test operations spanning rocket engine development, stage systems development, to routine high‑cadence production test operations. Work hands‑on with a range of projects from infrastructure development to rocket engine test operations, site administration, logistics and safety.

• Lead and support a team of technical staff (engineers and technicians) for engine test operations, test stand build, engine assembly, operations and maintenance of test infrastructure.
• Lead and mentor technical teams in a high‑pressure environment where cohesion and effective leadership are critical to mission success.
• Develop and maintain project and program plans, budgets and schedules and ensure successful delivery of key projects spanning multiple departments and engineering disciplines.
• Manage external contractors and suppliers.
• Continually improve test site infrastructure with the goal of multiple engine tests per day.
• Oversee site administration, supply chain and logistics.
• Ensure health and safety of the team.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in Propulsion Engineering and/or Propulsion Test leadership.
• Demonstrated experience supporting high‑paced technical projects.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in an engineering discipline.
• Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant.
• Background of technical expertise in sub‑component to full flight system testing.
• Software development for data acquisition and control systems.
• Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with propulsion testing.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission‑critical deadlines.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Learn more about ITAR here
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Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at  This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations,  ITAR Regulations.