Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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.

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. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II/SENIOR - INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS

As a Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior - Instrumentation & Controls - you will collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to support our launch operations, testing facilities, and mission-critical infrastructure. This role is hands-on and collaborative, requiring you to work closely with suppliers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to deliver world-class solutions. From concept to commissioning, you will play a key role in ensuring Rocket Lab's Ground Systems are reliable, efficient, and ready to support our missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design, development, verification, and maintenance of software for data acquisition, command/telemetry flow, hardware abstraction, and control of field instrumentation.
• Implementation of closed-loop control algorithms and automated sequences which enable and optimize launch and test operations.
• Configuration and troubleshooting of PLC systems and networked I/O devices.
• Leading commissioning activities and system integration efforts to ensure seamless deployment of new systems.
• Developing HMI software and user interfaces for critical systems and mission operations.
• Creating and maintaining technical documentation, including software system designs, functional logic diagrams and operational procedures.
• Ensuring ground systems meet safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
• Interact with suppliers and internal teams
• Perform failure investigations and root cause analysis.
• Support maintenance program development

(Please Note: this position can be hired as a Ground Systems Engineer II or Senior Ground Systems Engineer level)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor's degree in software, mechatronics, electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in software or control systems engineering, preferably in an aerospace, automotive, or industrial environment.
• Proficiency in text-based/object-oriented programming languages (Structured Text, Python, or C++)
• Experience using Git or an alternative software version control system.
• Experience with closed-loop control design, implementation, and tuning.
• Experience with signal processing, filtering, and data conditioning techniques for noisy sensor environments.
• Knowledge of basic IT networking concepts and industrial communication protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, Modbus, EtherCAT)
• Basic familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting techniques.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATION AS A SENIOR GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER

• Bachelor's degree in software, mechatronics, electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in software or control systems engineering, preferably in an aerospace, automotive, or industrial environment.
• Proficiency in text-based/object-oriented programming languages (Structured Text, Python, or C++)
• Experience using Git or an alternative software version control system.
• Experience with closed-loop control design, implementation, and tuning.
• Experience with signal processing, filtering, and data conditioning techniques for noisy sensor environments.
• Knowledge of basic IT networking concepts and industrial communication protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, Modbus, EtherCAT)
• Basic familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting techniques.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Understanding of common sensors and instrumentation and how they work (pressure transducers, RTDs, thermocouples, etc.)
• Beckhoff/TwinCAT Platform Experience
• National Instruments/LabVIEW Platform Experience
• Fluid systems understanding and experience designing control systems for
• Pressure regulation and flow path management,
• Filling and de-tanking of pressure vessels,
• Valve actuation and control
• Experience designing instrumentation, control, and automation systems for test stands or large industrial facilities
• Experience designing ISA-88 (batch control) and ISA-101 (HMI) compliant SCADA and HMI systems

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.

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 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.