Senior Test Site Operations Engineer

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 – 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!

The Senior Site Operations Engineer is a critical individual contributor role at our Stennis engine test facility, responsible for optimizing test operations, conducting strategic planning, aligning resources to priorities, and assessing progress toward test site targets. Reporting directly to the Site Director, this person will proactively identify and address operational challenges, implement best practices, derive actionable information from data, and synchronize work priorities across the test facility to ensure all necessary resources (parts, people, and plans) are in place to meet Neutron program objectives.

• Coordinate test planning with key leads from design, test ops, GSE, technician teams as well as external parties to support a test cadence spanning 2 shifts, 7 days a week.
• Develop key performance measures and identify decision points and actions to optimize site operations, resourcing and schedules to meet demand, ensuring measured parameters correlate with overall Neutron program objectives.
• Identify operational challenges within the organization, lead problem formulation, determine root cause, and implement creative and effective solutions.
• Identify potential risks and obstacles in the test process and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure technicians and engineers are trained, qualified, and incentivized to perform their assigned roles.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience with rocket systems, test procedures and operations
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing complex projects within a rapidly evolving environment.

• Masters or PhD in an engineering discipline
• Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant
• Background of technical expertise in sub-component to full flight system testing
• Software development for data acquisition and control systems
• Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with propulsion testing

• 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.
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines.