Senior Systems Safety Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

8d • $125,300 - $187,850

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Safety & Mission Assurance Team is seeking a Senior Systems Safety Engineer II to work with launch range safety authorities and help ensure the safe ground processing of spacecraft and ground support equipment at launch ranges. The role supports Rocket Lab Space Systems through development and maintenance of safety plans, range safety documentation, and deliverables for payload processing at launch sites. It also supports safe integration and testing of payloads and spacecraft, system safety analyses, coordination with internal teams and external authorities, and safety reviews across other Rocket Lab projects. Travel or off-site work may be needed.

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.
• 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 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 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 with the design, testing, and/or operation of hazardous propellants, including mono- or bi-propellant and hypergolic propellants, and high-pressure systems.
• At least 8 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 collaborating 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 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 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior