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. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable space missions supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is a frequently launched U.S. rocket, with hundreds of satellites delivered to orbit.

Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites and components, including spacecraft 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 mega constellations, high-assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron aims to provide a cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s Electron program.

Based at Rocket Lab's Stennis Test Complex in Stennis Space Center, MS, the GSE Software Support Engineer II 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, 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 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 the point of contact for software-related requests on site, implementing changes or escalating to development teams as required.
• Support test operators remotely or in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop and troubleshoot 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

• Experience with programming languages such as C++, Python, Go, C#, XAML
• Experience with object-oriented programming
• Requirements-driven software design
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT and IEC 61131-3 PLC languages
• Experience with Kubernetes and Docker
• Proficiency with Linux command line and Team City

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regu…