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Practising for the listing Lead, Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics. Its requirements are filled in below. When you have an answer you like, paste it with your CV in Career Mirror to see which of the job's skills it shows.

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Lead, Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics
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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded end-to-end space company. The rocket can deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, enable interplanetary payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform, Neutron will deliver a very cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven history with Electron – the second most launched rocket, worldwide, in 2024. If you're interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.

HASTE

HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a specialized variant of Rocket Lab's proven Electron launch vehicle, designed to support hypersonic flight testing and research missions. Operating from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island, Virginia, Electron HASTE provides a unique capability to deliver hypersonic test vehicles to the required flight conditions for cutting-edge aerodynamic and propulsion research. The program represents an exciting evolution of the Electron platform, supporting critical national defense and aerospace research objectives while maintaining Rocket Lab's commitment to rapid, reliable launch operations.

Lead, Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA, the Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer are responsible for the end-to-end testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, including the configuration and operation of related facilities and infrastructure. As a senior operational leader, you will oversee teams of engineers, manage operational projects, and ensure the readiness and capability of your discipline area. You will develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for your systems during mission-critical operations. In this role, you will coordinate across disciplines to resolve complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure operational procedures and infrastructure scale to support an increasing launch cadence. The Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer balances time between Mission Control operations, team leadership, and strategic planning for future operational capabilities.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations

• Work in Mission Control as the console operator for avionics systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations

• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks

• Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for avionics operations

• Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for avionics monitoring, telemetry display, and ground station control

• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations

• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication system anomalies

• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities

• Develop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positions

• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies

• Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns

• Responsible for leading teams of engineers, managing operational projects, and ensuring the overall readiness and capability of their discipline area.

• Develop training programs, conduct operational readiness reviews, and serve as the primary technical authority for their systems during mission-critical operations

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical degree

• 5+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations

• Demonstrated proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations

• Experience with high-reliability software systems and safety-critical aerospace software

• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry systems, or avionics networking infrastructure

• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate/request help, and effectively managing a team

• Understanding of operations involving complex software and hardware systems

• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments

• Aviation/Aircrew/Flight Test may be considered an alternative

• Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations

• Experience with flight software development, verification, or operations

• Experience with ground station operations, RF link analysis, or telemetry processing

• Track record of leading teams

• Experience with real-time embedded systems or flight control software

• Knowledge of DO-178C or other software certification standards

• Experience with data acquisition systems and real-time monitoring systems

• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans, 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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)
$149,000 — $174,000 USD

Base Salary
$107,000 — $147,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

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 our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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Requirements found

Training Team Leadership Marketing (must) Recruiting

What this posting asks for

Level: Lead / staff — The title says "Lead".

Main responsibilities

Lead, Test & Launch Engineer – Avionics
Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations
Work in Mission Control as the console operator for avionics systems during test campaigns, rehearsals, and launch operations
Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks
Create and continuously improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists for avionics operations
Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for avionics monitoring, telemetry display, and ground station control
Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals for avionics operations
Develop comprehensive training programs and qualification matrices to ensure operators are prepared for console positions
Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies
Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns

Competencies an interviewer will look for

Technical skill Core
In the posting: “Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations” · “Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks” · “Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or other technical degree”
Show it by: Names the tools, languages or systems used and how; Explains a technical choice and its trade-off.
Ownership and accountability Core
In the posting: “Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s …” · “Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded end-to-end space company.” · “Based out of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA, the Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer are responsible for the end-to-end testing, la…”
Show it by: Takes a task from start to finish without being chased; Owns a mistake and what was changed after it.
Leadership and mentoring Core
In the posting: “The Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer balances time between Mission Control operations, team leadership, and strategic planning for future operational…” · “Lead and manage a team of Engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems for Electron and Neutron launch operations” · “Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate/request help, and effectively managing a team”
Show it by: Describes setting direction or a standard others followed; Names someone they coached and what changed for them.
Planning and organisation Core
In the posting: “If you're interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.” · “The Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer balances time between Mission Control operations, team leadership, and strategic planning for future operational…” · “Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical pla…”
Show it by: Shows how priorities were set when everything was urgent; Mentions deadlines met and how.
Data and analysis Core
In the posting: “Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication system anomalies” · “Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and improvement opportunities” · “Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies”
Show it by: Uses a number to describe the situation or the result; Explains what the data showed and what was done with it.
Attention to detail and quality Core
In the posting: “HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) is a specialized variant of Rocket Lab's proven Electron launch vehicle, designed to support hyperson…” · “Based out of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, VA, the Lead Test and Launch Operations Engineer are responsible for the end-to-end testing, la…” · “Drive the development of Neutron avionics operations procedures and testing campaigns”
Show it by: Gives an example of an error caught before it caused harm; Names the check or standard they used.
Problem solving Core
In the posting: “In this role, you will coordinate across disciplines to resolve complex issues, drive process improvements, and ensure operational procedures and infrastruct…” · “Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication system anomalies”
Show it by: Describes a real problem, the options considered and the one chosen; Shows how the cause was found, not just the fix.
Communication Supporting
In the posting: “Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis during live operations to resolve avionics and communication system anomalies”
Show it by: Adapts the message to the listener; Gives an example of explaining something clearly in writing or speech.
Teamwork and collaboration Supporting
In the posting: “It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible.”
Show it by: Says what they did inside a team, not only what 'we' did; Shows how a disagreement was handled.
Adaptability and learning Supporting
In the posting: “Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical pla…”
Show it by: Describes learning something new quickly and using it; Shows a change of plan and how they adjusted.

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