Senior Mission Assurance Engineer II

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 rockethas 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…