Ground Systems Engineer, Automation Controls Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine.
About Neutron
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 leverages Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program.
The Role
Based at Rocket Lab's Stennis Test Complex in Stennis Space Center, MS, you will be responsible for commissioning, testing, updating, and troubleshooting ground support software systems as well as engine and test site software interfaces.
You will directly support Neutron engine test campaigns in close collaboration with operators, the engine development team, software development teams, and the ground systems instrumentation and control teams. You may also support Neutron test and launch campaigns at Rocket Lab's Launch Complex in Wallops Island, VA.
What You'll Do
- 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 and 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 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.
- Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs for automating test operations.
Level I Engineer Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification.
- Hands-on experience with data processing systems.
- Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers.
Level II Engineer Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification.
- 2+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build.
- Hands-on experience with data processing systems.
- Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers.
Senior Engineer Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification.
- 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build.
- Hands-on experience with data processing systems.
- Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers.
Nice to Have
- 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 working with the Linux command line and TeamCity.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.