Ground Systems Engineer

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 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.  

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER, AUTOMATION CONTROLS 

Based out of Rocket Lab's Stennis Test Complex in Stennis Space Center, MS, the GSE Automation Controls is responsible for commissioning, testing, updating, and troubleshooting ground support software systems as well as engine and test site software interfaces.  

The role directly supports Neutron engine test campaigns in close collaboration with operators, the engine development team, software development teams and the ground systems instrumentation & control teams. This role may support other activities on occasion such as Neutron test and launch campaigns at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex in Wallops Island, VA. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Support propulsion engineers and test operators to troubleshoot software issues across all systems at the test site, including but not limited to cloud-based data processing services, site and engine data interfaces, and operator consoles.
• Collaborate with IT, Ground Systems Instrumentation & Control, and terrestrial and vehicle software teams to deploy and commission test site software systems. 
• Support the certification of test pad systems by producing documentation, operator manuals, maintenance procedures, test procedures, and work instructions. 
• Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of ground software systems and engine interfaces. 
• Perform post-test data analysis and reporting. 
• Be point of contact for any software-related requests on site, implementing changes yourself or escalating to development teams as required. 
• Support test operators remotely or in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities. 
• Developing and troubleshooting PLC programs for automating test operations 

(This position can be hired as a Level I, Level II or Senior Level)