Senior Test Site Operations Engineer

Senior Test Site Operations Engineer

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. Our rockets and satellites enable ambitious missions worldwide, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change combat, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, a medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for large constellations. The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

• Coordinate test planning with design, test ops, GSE, technician teams and external parties to support a test cadence spanning 2 shifts, 7 days a week.
• Develop key performance measures and decision points to optimize site operations, resourcing and schedules to meet demand, ensuring measured parameters align with overall Neutron program objectives.
• Identify operational challenges, lead problem formulation, determine root causes, and implement creative and effective solutions.
• Identify potential risks and obstacles in the test process and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure technicians and engineers are trained, qualified and incentivized to perform their assigned roles.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience with rocket systems, test procedures and operations.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross‑functional teams and managing complex projects within a rapidly evolving environment.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in an engineering discipline.
• Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant.
• Technical expertise from subsystem through 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: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regular requirement to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to the Stennis engine test facility.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission‑critical deadlines.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and unwavering commitment. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and stay focused on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.

U.S. Offices Only: Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents, refugees or asylum seekers, or otherwise authorized to obtain the required U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce authorizations under ITAR. For more information on ITAR, see Rocket Lab’s website.

New Zealand Offices Only: Candidates must be eligible under U.S. ITAR, which typically requires citizenship in the U.S., Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a NATO member country, or an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. Background checks including nationality checks will be performed prior to any employment offer.

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.

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.