Senior Systems Safety Engineer I
Rocket Lab CorporationLong Beach, CA
seniorRegularPosted 29 Oct 2026
Skills in this posting
- testing
About the role
<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p>
<p>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.</p></div><p><strong>SPACE SYSTEMS</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>SENIOR SYSTEMS SAFETY ENGINEER I</strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">At Rocket Lab, our&nbsp;Safety &amp; Mission Assurance Team is at the heart of every successful launch. As a&nbsp;Senior Systems Safety Engineer I,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;play a critical role in&nbsp;working with range safety authorities to&nbsp;ensure the safe&nbsp;ground&nbsp;processing&nbsp;of spacecraft and ground support equipment at launch ranges.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><strong>WHAT YOU’LL GET TO&nbsp;DO:</strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Development, implementation, and&nbsp;update of safety program plans, range safety requirement matrices/tailoring,&nbsp;ground hazard analyses, ground safety plans, and other range safety documentationfor Rocket Lab&nbsp;Space Systems&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Formulation and timely submission of range safety deliverables in support of payload processing at launch sites.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Compliance and tailoring of range safety manuals and other industry safety standards for Rocket Lab spacecraft programs,</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Support the development of ground safety procedures for integration and testing of space systems payloads and spacecraft.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Perform system safety analyses on pressure systems, propulsion systems, electrical systems, mechanisms, lifting equipment, and other hazardous system types.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Work closely with management, engineering, and operations functions and subject matter experts to deliver safe products and coordinate external submissions.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;Support the wider Rocket Lab safety team producing deliverables or performing safety reviews of non-space systems projects</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Participation in program engineering reviews.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Support travel or off-site work as needed.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Perform other duties as assigned.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>QUALIFICATIONS&nbsp;YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SYSTEMS SAFETY ENGINEER I:</strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp; </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Bachelor’s degree in&nbsp;mechanical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> 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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> 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.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Ability to manage multiple concurrent safety programs and effectively prioritize and execute tasking</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Strong ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentation</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> US Citizenship is required due to program requirements</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance</span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Experience with compliance, tailoring, and submittal of range safety standards (SSCMAN, GSFC, ANSI/AIAA, etc.).</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Prior experience working in, or engaging with, launch range safety authorities.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Experience working on NSSL missions and payloads</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Experience with composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs).</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Prior experience in payload processing, and/or launch operations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Direct experience with design, test, and/ or operation of hazardous propellants (mono- or bi-propellant, hypergolic, etc.) and high-pressure systems.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> 5+ years of experience in an engineering role with a focus on regulatory compliance, requirements, or safety.</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Familiarity with various launch sites (Vandenberg, Cape Canaveral, Wallops Flight Facility, etc.).</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects</span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"> Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"><em>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.</em></span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p>Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,&nbsp;<strong>you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package</strong>, 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p></div><div class="title">Base Pay Range (CA Only)</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$102,400</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$140,800 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.&nbsp; </span><span data-ccp-props="{&qu
From Rocket Lab Corporation's careers page on Greenhouse. See the original posting. OneProfile isn't the employer and doesn't take applications; you apply on their site.
