Safety And Mission Assurance Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

At Rocket Lab, our Safety & Mission Assurance Team is at the heart of every successful launch. As a Safety & Mission Assurance Engineer I, you’ll play a critical role in supporting our launch safety regulatory compliance—both in documentation and operations—ensuring our missions are safe, compliant, and ready for liftoff.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Project manage mission submissions: Coordinate inputs from teams across Rocket Lab to create accurate regulatory documentation for every launch vehicle mission, delivered on time.
• Flight Safety System (FSS) Mission Submission Management: Review safety-critical component test reports, flag out-of-family components, and manage FSS system summary reports and communications with regulators.
• RL Payload Permitting: Prepare and submit payload permit applications for Rocket Lab payloads.
• Payload Safety Management: Produce Payload Safety Assessments for low-hazard payloads and work with operational teams to manage mission-specific payload hazards.
• Orbital Debris: Ensure new spacecraft programs meet orbital debris reduction requirements.
• Launch Operational Safety Regulatory Support: Train to fulfill the Launch Safety Official role during launch operations, monitoring for regulatory compliance.
• Monitor Regulatory Compliance: Perform internal audits, monitor compliance across business operations, ensure timely annual report submissions, and maintain accuracy in regulatory submissions during change management.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in an engineering role with a focus on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety.
• Knowledge of quality management systems.
• Excellent project management, communication, and technical writing skills.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Knowledge of regulations and standards related to space systems and operations.
• Experience with safety management systems and standards.
• Ability to read and comprehend new standards and regulations.
• Understanding of engineering development and production processes.

If the above sounds like you, apply now!

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.