Launch Site Director

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

ROCKET LAB'S LAUNCH OPERATIONS

Rocket Lab is revolutionizing space access with three innovative launch vehicles: Electron, Haste, and Neutron. Electron, our workhorse small launch vehicle, has successfully delivered over 170 satellites to orbit, proving its reliability and versatility for a wide range of missions. Haste, a dedicated suborbital testbed derived from Electron, enables rapid and cost-effective hypersonic and defense technology testing. Building on this heritage, Neutron is our next-generation medium-lift launch vehicle, designed to deliver mega constellations, high-assurance payloads, and even human spaceflight.

LAUNCH SITE DIRECTOR

The role of the Launch Site Director is responsible for overseeing operations at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 and Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island VA. You will ultimately own all launch infrastructure and operations spanning vehicle integration, payload processing, ground systems readiness, and mission execution supporting Electron, HASTE and Neutron.

Being a key role in a fast-moving organization across all of Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles, this role will need to wear many hats and take a hands-on approach to overseeing various projects through from infrastructure development, launch vehicle integration, and payload processing through to site administration and logistics. If you like leading high-stakes missions with a world-class high-performing team, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead a team of technical staff (engineers and technicians) for launch vehicle integration, testing, payload processing, ground systems operations, and mission execution.
• Lead technical teams (engineers and technicians) in a high-pressure environment where cohesion and effective leadership are critical to mission success.
• Deliver a range of projects and programs, maintaining schedules, budgets to ensure successful delivery of key projects spanning multiple departments and engineering disciplines.
• Manage external contractors and suppliers.
• Continually improve launch site infrastructure and workflows with the goal of enabling high-cadence launch operations.
• Oversee site administration, security, supply chain, and logistics.
• Ensure health and safety of the team and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in operations management, launch operations, aerospace engineering, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience supporting high-paced technical projects.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD in an engineering discipline.
• Direct experience with launch vehicle operations.
• Background of technical expertise in payload integration, ground systems, and launch vehicle systems.
• Software development for data acquisition and control systems.
• Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with launch operations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.

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] 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.