Mechanical Engineer I (Launch Operations & Test Engineer)

Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Wallops Island
Posted on: May 14, 2022

Job Description:

Rocket Lab is the global leader in small satellite launch. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. There are endless possibilities for what we can achieve with better access to space, and that access is now a reality thanks to Rocket Lab. Our team is 1,100 people strong and we're adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core - every idea is heard and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly and we are action-oriented. While other companies talk about it, we do it! About the Role The Engineer I will be part of the Integrated Operations team at Rocket Lab which is the organization responsible for testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron launch vehicles starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch operations, and on-orbit operations. Integrated Operations is also responsible for configuration, checkout, and operation of related facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. Testing and operations may be conducted remotely or on-site at propulsion test facilities, the Auckland Mission Control Centre (MCC), LC-1 (Mahia), LC-2 (Wallops Island, VA), or other designated locations. This Engineer I position will focus on testing and operations requiring technical expertise in mechanical systems including structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, and/or related monitoring and command & control systems. The Engineer I is an intermediate role within Integrated Operations and will have a working understanding of disciplines related to testing and operations. The Engineer I will be skilled in at least one operational role and will function independently during conduct of testing and operations. The Engineer I will actively contribute to Integrated Operations projects and process/tool development efforts, including accountability for key elements of these efforts. Duties and Responsibilities

• Understand test and operational requirements
• Define and optimize the flow of testing and operations activities
• Plan, schedule, and conduct test and operations to meet program schedules
• Perform testing and operations activities in accordance with established practices and procedures
• Perform test and operations on-console (while maintaining situational awareness and real-time communications throughout test and operations activities)
• Conduct testing and operations safely and ensure quality and integrity of critical flight hardware is maintained
• Perform post-test and post-flight data review and analyses
• Perform real-time troubleshooting to resolve test and operations issues
• Work to continually improve and streamline integration, testing, and operations
• Optimize and automate checkout, processing, testing, and operations
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed
• Domestic and international travel may be required Skills & Expertise - Essential
  • Aerospace, mechanical, electrical, mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent
  • 1+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations
  • Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive
  • Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
  • Careful work ethic with an eye for detail
  • Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines Skills & Expertise - Desirable
    • 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations
    • Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
    • Experience with Java, Python, or other object-oriented programming language
    • Experience with LabVIEW and PLC development for data acquisition & real-time control
      
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Keywords: Rocket Lab, Hampton , Mechanical Engineer I (Launch Operations & Test Engineer), Other , Wallops Island, Virginia