Senior Ground Systems Engineer II, Instrumentation & Controls

Senior Ground Systems Engineer II, Instrumentation & Controls

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 rockethas 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. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Based out of Rocket Lab's Launch Complex in Wallops VA, the Senior Ground Systems Engineer II, Instrumentation and Controls is responsible for the development, automation, testing and commissioning of fluid and gas systems at the Launch Complex site. You will support the test operations team and be responsible for software, PLC, networks, instrumentation and controls.

• Design control systems for complex launch range systems.
• Support certification of systems including producing documentation operator manuals, maintenance procedures, test procedures, and work instructions
• Support technicians remotely or in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities
• Become a subject matter expert in one or more of the necessary disciplines dealing with instrumentation, control systems, HMI, PLCs, software, and networks.
• Perform test operations activities.
• Post-test data analysis

Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or other technical discipline

8+ years of experience designing instrumentation and controls and related infrastructure for liquid launch vehicles

Hands‑on experience with data acquisition, control, and automation systems

Experience with object Oriented PLC programming

Experience implementing functional safety (IEC 61508 & IEC 61511)

Experience with NI LabVIEW

Development with tools including: C/C++, Python, Team City, EPlan, Beckhoff PLC Programming, NI cRio controller programming, Perforce Version Control System, Gitlab/Git Version Control System

Experience with complex industrial systems for flow of fluids, especially cryogenics and high pressures

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

Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.

Must be physically able to commute to buildings

Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up…