Lead Test & Launch Operations Engineer – Avionics

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for avionics hardware, software, and ground station systems
• Serve as a console operator for avionics systems in Mission Control during test campaigns and launch operations
• Develop and maintain Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for avionics systems, flight software, and ground networks
• Create and improve test plans, operational procedures, and checklists
• Design and implement Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for telemetry display and ground station control
• Lead operational readiness reviews, training simulations, and mission rehearsals
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and data analysis to resolve avionics and communication system anomalies
• Conduct post-test and post-launch data analysis to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Develop training programs and qualification matrices for operators
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action programs for avionics anomalies

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, software engineering, or a related technical field
• 5-8+ years of engineering experience with avionics systems, RF systems, telemetry, flight software, or launch vehicle operations
• Proficiency with avionics hardware, flight software systems, and ground station operations
• Experience with high-reliability and safety-critical aerospace software systems
• Experience with RF systems, ground stations, telemetry, or avionics networking infrastructure
• Demonstrated leadership competencies including change management and conflict resolution
• Experience developing operational procedures, test plans, and conducting mission simulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in Mission Control or similar operational control environments
• Background in Aviation, Aircrew, or Flight Test
• Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics integration and testing
• Experience with flight software development, verification, or operations
• Experience with ground station operations, RF link analysis, or telemetry processing
• Knowledge of DO-178C or other software certification standards
• Experience with data acquisition and real-time monitoring systems
• Experience developing HMIs for operational monitoring and control systems

About the Company

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 to space.