Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior – Instrumentation and Controls

Rocket Lab Corporation•Wallops Island, VA

About The Position

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.

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 (for Ground Systems Engineer II).
5+ years of experience in software or control systems engineering, preferably in an aerospace, automotive, or industrial environment (for Senior Ground Systems Engineer).
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.
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.

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, 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

Responsibilities

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