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. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
While other companies talk about it, we do it!
ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:
Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab . Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space . You’ll work alongside driven , talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels , all committed to the same mission . Our engineering team members span design , analysis , prototyping , testing , manufacturing , assembly and integration , quality control , engineering documentation , and more.
About the Role
As a Senior Engineer – Test and Launch Operations, you will provide hands-on technical leadership and project ownership within Rocket Lab’s Test and Launch Operations team. You’ll drive operational improvements, fill key on-console operations roles, and facilitate cross-team problem-solving to ensure our missions launch on time and with low risk. This is your opportunity to make a direct impact on the future of space access.
What You’ll Get to Do:
Integrated Operations
Identify and solve significant engineering challenges, independently or as part of a team
Perform operator duties during test and launch campaigns, including development, qualification, and flight acceptance testing
Facilitate inter-team problem solving to resolve issues impacting launch capability
Uphold and contribute to engineering best practices in Test and Launch Operations
Continuously improve and streamline testing and operational activities
Identify and implement quality, efficiency, and cost improvements
Optimize and automate checkout, processing, testing, and operations
Take ownership of process improvement initiatives and drive common processes and tools across Integrated Operations
Develop and implement solutions to support increasing operational cadence
Technical Leadership
Support development of resourcing plans and hiring strategies aligned with team objectives
Set the standard for professionalism and skill in operator duties
Use experience and sound judgment to make complex, risk-based decisions with limited information
Process & Projects
Lead and execute high-priority projects and systems for Test and Launch Operations
Move with urgency, translating strategic priorities into action
Take calculated risks to deliver solutions on time and within budget
Challenge the status quo and seek creative solutions to tough problems
Use metrics to drive accountability and continuous improvement
What You’ll Bring:
Essential
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent
5+ years’ experience in engineering, test, and/or operations
Ability to read, understand, and follow detailed schematics, drawings, and instructions
Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive attitude
Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships
Meticulous work ethic with a keen eye for detail
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
Comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces
Desirable
8+ years’ experience in engineering, test, and/or operations
2+ years’ experience leading time-critical, multi-disciplinary engineering operations
Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft, including integration, testing, launch, and/or mission operations
Experience with CAD systems
Proficiency in Java, Python, or other object-oriented programming languages
Experience with LabVIEW and PLC development for data acquisition & real-time control
What Success Looks Like
You deliver results—on time and within budget—by rallying support, challenging the status quo, and…