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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SENIOR SYSTEMS SAFETY ENGINEER I
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.
At Rocket Lab, our Safety & Mission Assurance Team is at the heart of every successful launch. As a Senior Systems Safety Engineer I, you’ll play a critical role in working with range safety authorities to ensure the safe ground processing of spacecraft and ground support equipment at launch ranges.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Development, implementation, and update of safety program plans, range safety requirement matrices/tailoring, ground hazard analyses, ground safety plans, and other range safety documentationfor Rocket Lab Space Systems
- Formulation and timely submission of range safety deliverables in support of payload processing at launch sites.
- Compliance and tailoring of range safety manuals and other industry safety standards for Rocket Lab spacecraft programs,
- Support the 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 closely with management, engineering, and operations functions and subject matter experts to deliver safe products and coordinate external submissions.
- Support the wider Rocket Lab safety team producing deliverables or performing safety reviews of non-space systems projects
- Participation in program engineering reviews.
- Support travel or off-site work as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SYSTEMS SAFETY ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
- 5+ years of experience in a relevant engineering role (system safety, certification, aerospace, and/or design of spacecraft) with a focus on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety.
- Demonstrated deep understanding of ground safety process. Must have 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 tasking
- Strong ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentation
- US Citizenship is required due to program requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance
- Experience with compliance, tailoring, and submittal of range safety standards (SSCMAN, GSFC, ANSI/AIAA, etc.).
- 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 design, test, and/ or operation of hazardous propellants (mono- or bi-propellant, hypergolic, etc.) and high-pressure systems.
- 5+ years of experience in an engineering role with a focus on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety.
- Familiarity with various launch sites (Vandenberg, Cape Canaveral, Wallops Flight Facility, etc.).
- Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
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 [email protected] 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, systems, aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline
- At least 5 years of relevant engineering experience in system safety, certification, aerospace, spacecraft design, regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety
- Demonstrated understanding of ground safety processes
- Experience applying safety and compliance standards and requirements, including justifying non-compliance when applicable
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent safety programs and prioritize and execute tasks
- Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentation
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance
- Experience with range safety standards such as SSCMAN, GSFC, and ANSI/AIAA
- Experience engaging with launch range safety authorities
- Experience with NSSL missions and payloads
- Experience with composite overwrapped pressure vessels
- Experience in payload processing or launch operations
- Experience designing, testing, or operating hazardous propellants and high-pressure systems
- Familiarity with Vandenberg, Cape Canaveral, Wallops Flight Facility, or other launch sites
- Experience working with minimal supervision on complex projects
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for multidisciplinary collaboration
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as robust, with multiple HMO/PPO options and a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan alongside dental and vision. Company materials and postings also note life and disability insurance and an overall strong medical offering for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is emphasized through RSUs and a discounted ESPP with a look‑back feature, positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards. Filings and benefits summaries highlight broad accessibility to ownership programs across many roles.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is outlined as a full suite that includes paid vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave. Some locations also feature supportive extras such as a childcare concierge and onsite amenities.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
