Ground Systems Engineer II, Automation Controls

Ground Systems Engineer II, Automation Controls

Based out of Rocket Lab's Stennis Test Complex in Stennis Space Center, MS, the GSE Automation Controls is responsible for commissioning, testing, updating, and troubleshooting ground support software systems as well as engine and test site software interfaces.

The role directly supports Neutron engine test campaigns in close collaboration with operators, the engine development team, software development teams and the ground systems instrumentation & control teams. This role may support other activities on occasion such as Neutron test and launch campaigns at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex in Wallops Island, VA.

• Support propulsion engineers and test operators to troubleshoot software issues across all systems at the test site, including but not limited to cloud-based data processing services, site and engine data interfaces, and operator consoles.
• Collaborate with IT, Ground Systems Instrumentation & Control, and terrestrial and vehicle software teams to deploy and commission test site software systems.
• Support the certification of test pad systems by producing documentation, operator manuals, maintenance procedures, test procedures, and work instructions.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of ground software systems and engine interfaces.
• Perform post-test data analysis and reporting.
• Be point of contact for any software-related requests on site, implementing changes yourself or escalating to development teams as required.
• Support test operators remotely or in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Developing and troubleshooting PLC programs for automating test operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification.
• 2+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build.
• Hands‑on experience with data processing systems.
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers.

• Experience with programming languages such as C++, Python, Go, C#, XAML.
• Experience with object-oriented programming.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT and IEC 61131-3 PLC languages.
• Experience with Kubernetes & Docker.
• Proficiency working with the Linux command line and Team City.

• 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.
• Position requires approximately 10% domestic travel to support test and launch campaigns.

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.

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.