Senior Vehicle Test and Launch Engineer Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
About Neutron
Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab. The rocket can deliver mega constellations, enable interplanetary payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven history with Electron, the third most launched rocket worldwide in 2024.
The Role
The Test and Launch Operations team is responsible for testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch operations, and on-orbit operations. You will take a leadership and ownership role in testing and operations projects, process development, and tool development efforts. You will direct, mentor, and train other operators.
This role can be hired at Engineer II or Senior Engineer level.
What You'll Do
- Develop, integrate, and test mechanical systems relating to the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles
- Oversee the configuration and checkout of launch vehicle systems
- Lead and manage testing projects for launch vehicle systems, including static testing and integrated stage hot fire testing
- Mentor and train other operators within the Integrated Operations team on launch vehicle mechanical and propulsion systems
- Develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) related to vehicle stage and engine hardware
- Perform real-time troubleshooting to resolve test and operations issues
- Author, review, and carry out operations procedures
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic engineering)
- 5+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations, in the focus of mechanical or propulsion systems
- 9+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
- Experience with integrated stage thermal/fluid systems design/test/operations, and/or experience in a propulsion test/operations environment
- Solid understanding and experience working with fluid, cryogenic, pressurized, or hazardous systems
- Good understanding and experience of real-time hazardous operations
Compensation
Base salary: $100,000 to $125,000 USD
Total compensation (base and equity): $115,000 to $164,000 USD
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include company stock as part of total compensation package, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on company stock, top-tier medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.