Senior Systems Safety Engineer I
About The Position
Rocket Lab’s Safety & Mission Assurance Team supports safe launch operations. The Senior Systems Safety Engineer I works with range safety authorities to ensure the safe ground processing of spacecraft and ground support equipment at launch ranges. The role supports Rocket Lab Space Systems programs by preparing range safety documentation and deliverables, applying and tailoring safety requirements, and conducting system safety analyses. It also involves coordinating with management, engineering, operations, subject matter experts, and external authorities, participating in program engineering reviews, and supporting wider safety-team projects. Travel or off-site work may be required. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, systems, or aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline.
- At least 5 years of relevant engineering experience in system safety, certification, aerospace, and/or spacecraft design, focused on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety.
- Deep understanding of ground safety processes.
- Experience with safety and compliance standards and requirements, applying those requirements, and justifying non-compliance when applicable.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent safety programs and effectively prioritize and execute tasks.
- Strong ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentation.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance.
- Experience with compliance, tailoring, and submittal of range safety standards such as SSCMAN, GSFC, and ANSI/AIAA.
- Prior experience working in or engaging with launch range safety authorities.
- Experience working on NSSL missions and payloads.
- Experience with composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs).
- Prior experience in payload processing and/or launch operations.
- Direct experience designing, testing, and/or operating hazardous propellants (mono- or bi-propellant, hypergolic, etc.) and high-pressure systems.
- At least 5 years of engineering experience focused on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety.
- Familiarity with launch sites such as Vandenberg, Cape Canaveral, and Wallops Flight Facility.
- Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision on complex projects.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and explaining complex implementation processes to others.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and update safety program plans, range safety requirement matrices and tailoring, ground hazard analyses, ground safety plans, and other range safety documentation for Rocket Lab Space Systems.
- Formulate and submit range safety deliverables on time in support of payload processing at launch sites.
- Ensure compliance with, and tailor, range safety manuals and other industry safety standards for Rocket Lab spacecraft programs.
- Support development of ground safety procedures for integration and testing of space systems payloads and spacecraft.
- Perform system safety analyses on pressure systems, propulsion systems, electrical systems, mechanisms, lifting equipment, and other hazardous system types.
- Work with management, engineering, operations, and subject matter experts to deliver safe products and coordinate external submissions.
- Support the wider Rocket Lab safety team by producing deliverables or performing safety reviews of non-space-systems projects.
- Participate in program engineering reviews.
- Support travel or off-site work as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Company stock as part of total compensation.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
- Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Subsidized EV charging.
- Onsite fitness centers where available.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Complimentary snacks and beverages.
- 50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
- Other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
