About The Role
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:
Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
We are looking for an enthusiastic systems safety engineer who is looking for an opportunity to make a difference in a fast-paced environment. You will have a strong technical background with experience in a regulatory environment but be pragmatic in solving issues and moving things forward. You will be a strong team player who wants to be part of doing something new.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
The role is part of the the Safety & Reliability Engineering Team which is responsible for ensuring systems designed and operated by Rocket Lab are acceptably safe. As part of this team, you will be working on a breadth of systems – from small spacecraft to large rockets and their supporting hazardous ground equipment. There are two main themes to the role:
- Equipment and operational design: You will work with internal teams to come to an appropriate solution that balances safety, mission reliability, time to market, cost, and any other operational constraints.
- Documentation and compliance: You will produce high quality evidence that demonstrates that the solution is acceptably safe.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of what safety assessment technique is appropriate for the specific context e.g. functional failure analysis, HAZOPs, fault tree analysis, event tree analysis etc and be competent in performing the assessment.
- General knowledge of systems engineering process and how requirements are verified through the engineering process.
- Clear and concise safety case writer.
- Understands what makes a good safety argument and the evidence needed to support it.
- Sound judgement in translating safety standards to the context of application and ability to make equivalent level of safety arguments.
- Good communicator who is confident in managing regulatory oversight.
- Able to balance multiple demands and manage your own time in meeting deadlines.
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with range safety standards such as AFSPCMAN 91-710 or system safety programs such as MIL STD 882.
- Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or Jama for compliance management.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
We believe that your career should be rewarding, not just financially. We provide:
- A supportive development environment where there is always something new to learn from the Rocket Lab family who are technically excellent and enthusiastic to help.
- Fast-paced and stimulating environment – there is never a dull moment or repetitive nature to your role.
- Environment where self-initiative is valued – we believe in solving problems and helping to move things forward.
If you are thrilled by seeing something you’ve been a part of the design process for, in action and making a difference in the world, then Rocket Lab is the place for you.
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 Biow 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.