Senior Systems Safety Engineer II

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Safety & Mission Assurance Team seeks a Senior Systems Safety Engineer II to work with range safety authorities and help ensure safe ground processing of spacecraft and ground support equipment at launch ranges. The role supports Rocket Lab Space Systems programs through safety planning, analysis, documentation, and coordination with internal teams and external authorities. The engineer will develop and maintain safety program plans, range safety requirement matrices and tailoring, ground hazard analyses, ground safety plans, and other range safety documentation. The role also supports the development of safety procedures for payload and spacecraft integration and testing, performs system safety analyses across hazardous systems, participates in program engineering reviews, and may support travel or off-site work as needed. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or technical discipline, at least eight years of relevant engineering experience focused on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety, and a demonstrated understanding of ground safety processes. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements, and the candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, systems, or aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline.
At least 8 years of experience in a relevant engineering role, such as system safety, certification, aerospace, or spacecraft design, with a focus on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety.
Demonstrated deep understanding of ground safety processes.
Experience with safety and compliance standards and requirements, including applying requirements and justifying non-compliance when applicable.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent safety programs and prioritize and execute tasks effectively.
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 submission of range safety standards, such as SSCMAN, GSFC, and ANSI/AIAA.
Prior experience working with or engaging 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, or operating hazardous propellants (mono- or bi-propellant, hypergolic, etc.) and high-pressure systems.
Familiarity with launch sites such as Vandenberg, Cape Canaveral, and Wallops Flight Facility.
Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision on complex projects.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members.

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 to support 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 for 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 significant 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 merch store.
Other employee discounts.