Ground Systems Engineer II/Sr – Instrumentation and Controls

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Job Title: Ground Systems Engineer II/Sr – Instrumentation and Controls

Location:	Wallops Island, Virginia, VA United States
Position Type:	Full Time
Post Date:	06/05/2026
Expire Date:	08/05/2026
Job Categories:	Engineering

Job Description

Ground Systems Engineer II/Sr – Instrumentation and Controls
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.

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