Senior Mission Assurance Engineer II

About The Role

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 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.

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

SENIOR MISSION ASSURANCE ENGINEER II

As a Senior Mission Assurance Engineer II based at Rocket Lab’s site in Wallops Island, VA, you will play a key role in producing licensing material that ensures ongoing compliance with Rocket Lab’s launch and facilities licenses, as well as other regulatory and statutory obligations.

You will contribute to the development of processes and systems that support the efficient creation and maintenance of compliance documentation and evidence, ensuring accuracy and readiness for regulatory audits.

As part of the team, you will help uphold Rocket Lab’s commitment to operating in a legally complaint and environmentally responsible manner, both on Earth and in space.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Create, review, and maintain high‑quality safety, mission assurance, and regulatory documentation.
• Apply risk‑based decision‑making to complex technical environments.
• Collaborate with regulators and tailor regulatory standards to support sustainable regulatory efficiency.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple priorities and delivering high‑quality outputs on time.
• Communicate technical information clearly and concisely through written documents and verbal discussions.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of experience in safety engineering, mission assurance, reliability engineering, or a related technical field within aerospace or another highly regulated, high‑risk industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS), including avionics, ordnance, safety‑critical software, mission rules, and mission operations.
• Deep understanding of FAA Part 450, RCC 319, RCC 324, and U.S. range safety requirements (e.g., SSCMAN 91‑710, GSFC‑STD‑8009).
• Demonstrated experience producing and maintaining high‑quality safety, mission assurance, and regulatory documentation.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, safety, risk management, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience developing or reviewing flight safety analysis methodologies, tools, or processes.
• Familiarity with safety‑critical software assurance and associated documentation practices.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as Jama Connect or Teamcenter.
• Experience developing or improving company processes, procedures, and quality management systems.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and supporting cross‑functional teams.
• Experience preparing regulatory relief arguments and communicating them effectively.
• Proven ability to apply risk‑based decision‑making in complex technical environments.
• Experience working with regulators and tailoring regulatory standards to meet operational needs.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce concise, logical, and technically accurate documents.

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.