Ground Systems Engineer, Automation Controls

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)

 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL I ENGINEER:  

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification
• Hands-on experience with data processing systems 
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL II ENGINEER:  

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification
• 2+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build 
• Hands-on experience with data processing systems 
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ENGINEER I:  

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent qualification
• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build 
• Hands-on experience with data processing systems 
• Proficiency in Git and working with issue trackers

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Experience with programming languages such as C++, Python, Go, C#, XAML 
• Experience with object-oriented programming 
• Requirements-driven software design 
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT and IEC 61131-3 PLC languages 
• Experience with Kubernetes & Docker 
• Proficiency working with the Linux command line and TeamCity  

 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

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 [email protected]. 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.