Ground Systems Engineer II – Instrumentation and Controls
Rocket Lab Corporation•Wallops Island, VA
•Onsite
About The Position
As a Ground Systems Engineer II – 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- 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; and 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.
- Ability to understand and apply software design patterns and execute large scale architectural changes.
Responsibilities
- Design of launch pad and test site fixed assets including test stands, launch mounts, and gantries.
- Design of launch vehicle support equipment including transportation fixtures, lifting apparatuses, and breakover fixtures.
- Design of large mechanisms including umbilicals, hold downs, and strongbacks.
- 2D and 3D modelling through the use of CAD software, specifically NX.
- System sizing and analysis by hand calculation and numerical methods
- Produce risk assessments, system hazard analyses, and FMEAs.
- Component selection, development, and maintenance of BOMs
- Interact with suppliers and internal teams
- Perform failure investigations and root cause analysis.
- Support maintenance program development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
