Senior Recovery Operations Engineer

Senior Recovery Operations Engineer I

Rocket Lab is actively seeking a skilled engineer to join the Neutron Recovery team in Baltimore, MD. The Senior Recovery Operations Engineer will be a key stakeholder in developing and coordinating Neutron landing operations as part of the on‑console launch team, controlling the recovery barge and related launch vehicle systems to ensure successful landings.

• Be a key stakeholder in executing Neutron landing and recovery operations, controlling recovery vessels/sites, flight‑proven boosters, and launch countdown automation from the control room.
• Optimize, coordinate, and troubleshoot offshore operations remotely with supporting engineering teams and a skilled technician workforce.
• Set up and operate remote control systems to facilitate marine vessel operations and Neutron landing.
• Complete post‑landing securing, safing, and monitoring of Neutron.
• Develop automation for Rocket Lab’s marine and recovery system operations.
• Collaborate with Neutron launch operations, vehicle design, guidance navigation & control, avionics, and fluids teams to prepare and perform key operations.
• Identify and propose potential upgrades to marine and recovery hardware, software, and procedures, driving continuous improvement through regular interfacing with various teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a test, automation, dynamic positioning, and/or integration engineering role.

• Experience working at a rocket launch/test facility and supporting launch/test campaigns.
• Experience with marine systems including dynamic positioning, automation, engine room and pump room operations, ballast control room, and bridge operations.
• Experience in control and monitoring of complex automated systems and risk assessment/reduction.
• Experience on projects integrating fluid, electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
• Experience testing and operating hazardous systems (high pressure, high energy, hazardous gases and fluids, etc.).
• Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatic valves).
• Strong work ethic and drive, ability to work effectively in a team, and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, autonomously driven environment.
• Strong project management skills and clear communication.
• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline (preferred).

• Ability to work in a high‑concentration, high‑stress environment; responsive to tight deadlines and prolonged mental concentration.
• Willingness to support offshore operations, including missions at sea averaging 5 or more days per quarter.
• Position may require long hours (10‑12+ hour days) and weekend work.
• Willingness to work in extreme outdoor environments—heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in tight/confined spaces.
• Willingness to work with hazardous materials and perform job duties requiring standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and lifting 25 lb.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery.

$108,800 – $136,000 USD

• Company equity.
• Comprehensive medical benefits: top‑tier HMO/PPO and 100 % company‑sponsored HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave, disability insurance, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Employee stock purchase program and other perks.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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 in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at

For candidates seeking to work in US offices only:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the ITAR, employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or otherwise able to obtain required authorizations from the Department of State/Commerce.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only:
Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers; eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or NATO member states, or the ability to obtain necessary authorizations.