About the Job
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 e...
Rocket Lab's Electron is one of the world's most frequently flown rockets. We need a systems engineer to own the technical development and certification of our Flight Safety Systems - the critical hardware and software that enables safe launch operations.
This is a rare, hands-on role where you'll work across the full lifecycle: from requirements and hardware development through environmental testing, regulatory certification, and live launch support.
Key Responsibilities
Systems Engineering
Manage requirements for flight safety hardware and software from design through flight. Ensure traceability, develop verification methods, and maintain standards compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
Hardware Qualification & Testing
Lead component qualification programs including vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC testing. Investigate failures, debug hardware issues, and oversee test rigs used for end-to-end verification at launch sites.
Launch Operations
Support live launch campaigns by troubleshooting hardware faults, reviewing flight data, and implementing corrective actions. Develop automated tools for pre and post-flight analysis.
Regulatory Certification
Interface directly with NASA and FAA on certification activities. Prepare compliance documentation, respond to regulatory feedback, and ensure Range Safety standards (RCC-319) are correctly implemented.
Process Improvement
Drive improvements across production, launch operations, and test infrastructure. Build documentation practices that scale beyond institutional knowledge.
Required Skills & Abilities
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
5+ years developing electronic systems through design, test, and qualification
5+ years practicing systems engineering – managing requirements and verification activities in fast-paced environments
Hands-on hardware debugging skills (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters)
Strong technical writing for documentation, test plans, and regulatory submissions
Ability to work independently and prioritize across multiple workstreams
Comfortable collaborating across hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams
Experience with safety-critical or certified systems (avionics, medical devices, automotive)
Familiarity with Range Safety standards (RCC-319, RCC-324) or similar frameworks
Knowledge of flight termination systems, RF systems, or pyrotechnics
Environmental testing standards and qualification processes
Python or MATLAB for test automation and data analysis
Requirements management tools (Jama, DOORS)
Launch campaign or flight test support experience
Electronics failure analysis and root cause investigation
You'll move between systems-level thinking and hands-on problem solving daily. One day you're qualifying hardware in a test chamber, the next you're supporting countdown operations, and the day after that you're presenting certification data to regulators.
Aerospace experience is not required. If you've developed electronic systems in other industries and want to work on mission-critical hardware that flies regularly, we want to hear from you.
Comprehensive on-the-job training for flight safety systems and certification processes
Work with experienced systems, test, and hardware development engineers
Direct impact on launch cadence and mission success
Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and shape engineering practices
This position may require domestic and international travel.
