Lead, Recovery Operations

Lead, Recovery Operations

Rocket Lab is actively seeking an individual to join the Neutron Recovery team in Baltimore, MD. The Lead, Recovery Operations will be a key stakeholder in developing, coordinating, and leading Neutron landing operations as part of the on‑console launch team. The role involves controlling our recovery barge and related launch vehicle systems to ensure a successful landing.

• Lead the execution of Neutron landing and recovery operations while 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 and other teams to prepare and perform key operations.
• Identify and propose potential upgrades to marine and recovery hardware, software, and procedures — drive continuous improvement in these areas by interfacing regularly with various teams across Rocket Lab.

• 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 working on marine systems including dynamic positioning, automation, engine room and pump room operations, ballast control room, bridge operations.
• Experience in control and monitoring of complex automated systems and risk assessment/reduction of the system.
• Experience working on projects that involve the integration of fluid, electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
• Experience testing and operating with or around 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, solenoid, pneumatic valves).
• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed balanced with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Able to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven and demanding atmosphere.
• Strong project management skills.
• Able to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people.
• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline.

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $107,200 – $134,000 USD.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and a robust benefits package including medical (HMO, PPO, HSA plan), dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program and free snacks/drinks onsite.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or have eligibility to obtain required authorizations. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only, background checks will be undertaken and the role requires citizenship of certain countries per ITAR regulations.

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 resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from applying/interviewing. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

Note:

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle and the role is in Baltimore MD.