Systems Safety Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Every Rocket Lab team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of space technology. If you’re passionate about innovation, safety, and making a real impact, we want you on our team.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Systems Safety Engineer – Regulatory Operations to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity where safety engineering meets launch operations. You’ll work closely with senior Safety Engineers and the Regulatory Operations team to ensure our launches are safe and compliant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform safety analysis on Rocket Lab designed systems and operations, as directed and supported by senior Safety Engineering team members.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure identified safety measures are implemented.
• Work with the Regulatory Operations team to prepare and submit regulatory compliance documentation related to launch safety, ensuring timely submissions for all launches.
• Serve as a Launch Safety Official during launch operations, verifying regulatory safety compliance in real time.

What You’ll Bring

• Broad knowledge of hazardous systems and safety risk management (e.g., pressure systems, fuels and oxidizer systems, hydraulics, control systems).
• Practitioner of safety analysis techniques such as hazard analysis, fault tree analysis, HAZOP, FMECA, etc.
• Willingness to support launch operations, including during unsociable hours.
• Strong written communication skills and a commitment to thorough record keeping.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks across different teams and disciplines.
• Eagerness and ability to learn quickly, supported by subject matter experts.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within New Zealand.

What You’ll Get

• Exposure to the full engineering life cycle within the launch business context.
• A supportive development environment with technically excellent and enthusiastic colleagues.
• A fast-paced, stimulating workplace—no two days are the same.
• An environment where self-initiative and problem-solving are highly valued.
• The satisfaction of seeing your work in action, making a real difference in the world.

If you’re excited to see your work take flight and want to be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible, Rocket Lab is the place for you.

Apply now and launch your career with us!

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.