Vehicle Test and Launch Engineer II​/Senior

Vehicle Test and Launch Engineer II/Senior

Rocket Lab, Lynchburg, VA 24503

Full Time

The Test and Launch Operations team at Rocket Lab is responsible for testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicle. Starting with stack testing through pre‑launch processing, launch operations, and on‑orbit operations. Integrated Operations is also responsible for configuration, checkout, and operation of related facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.

• Develop, integrate, and test mechanical systems for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles.
• Oversee the configuration and checkout of launch vehicle systems.
• Lead and manage testing projects for launch vehicle systems, including static testing and integrated stage hot fire testing.
• Mentor and train other operators within the Integrated Operations team on launch vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems.
• Develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMIs) related to vehicle stage and engine hardware.
• Perform real‑time troubleshooting to resolve test/operations issues.
• Author, review, and carry out operations procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic).
• 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations, focusing on mechanical or propulsion systems.
• 6+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic).
• 5+ years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations, focusing on mechanical or propulsion systems.
• 9+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft, including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations.
• Experience with integrated stage thermal/fluid systems design/test/operations, and/or propulsion test/operations environment.
• Solid understanding and experience working with fluid/cryogenic/pressurized/hazardous systems.
• Good understanding/experience of real‑time hazardous operations.

• Specific vision abilities: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus.
• Must be able to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, moderate noise levels.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or be lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or asylum seeker, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State/Commerce.

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, 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. The 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 may take up to two business days.