Ground Systems Engineer II​/Senior - Automation Controls

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockets has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program.

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.

Note:
This position can be hired as a Level II, Senior Engineer I or Senior Engineer II level.

• 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 demonstrated experience developing software
• Hands‑on experience with data processing systems
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience developing software
• Hands‑on experience with data processing systems
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience developing software
• Hands‑on experience with data processing systems
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers