Launch Safety Operator

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
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.
LAUNCH SAFETY OPERATOR Join Rocket Lab as a Launch Safety Operator and be a crucial part of our groundbreaking team. Your role will ensure the safety and efficiency of our launch operations, both for the public and our staff. You'll oversee procedure development, planning, system specifications, technical documentation, and compliance with licensing requirements. Additionally, you'll establish and maintain robust safety systems and be ready for incident management. You'll work with a diverse team during launch preparations and facility operations, interacting with various external stakeholders, including public, commercial, and government entities. Your ability to understand their constraints and motivations will enhance cooperation and maximise our launch availability. Be a part of our innovative journey at Rocket Lab, where your expertise ensures safe and successful missions.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Integrate and analyse diverse data sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of conditions and traffic at the launch range, including air, marine, land traffic, weather, launch window constraints, customer requirements, and public relations.
Direct operational assets, communicate effectively, and make crucial decisions to ensure a safe and timely launch, supporting range safety and surveillance.
Apply in-depth knowledge of launch and facility risk profiles to establish safety thresholds for operations.
Develop and implement innovative systems (hardware, code, processes) to meet operational requirements, involving multi-agency engagement as needed.
Develop and maintain detailed launch operational plans, procedures, and manuals.
Collaborate with safety, design, and production engineering teams to assess risks and devise mitigation plans.
Create and maintain comprehensive incident and emergency response plans for significant incidents at launch and testing facilities.
Lead or support incident response and management efforts.
Support business continuity, recovery, and investigation planning.
Ensure compliance with launch and facility licensing regulations.
Develop and maintain team testing, training, and qualification tracking materials.
Compile, create, and review technical documents, diagrams, and compliance matrices for licensing purposes.
Engage, coordinate, and liaise with external stakeholders, including the public, government agencies, and commercial partners.
Represent Rocket Lab at external forums as required.
Ensure adherence to company health and safety policies.
Report and act on near misses and incidents promptly.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, with frequent travel to LC-1 during launch campaigns.
Perform additional duties as reasonably required.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 5 years in marine or port traffic management, air traffic control, naval surveillance and management, or related fields showcasing equivalent expertise.
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and inspire a team effectively.
Traffic management expertise with a proven track record in overseeing diverse vessel, aircraft, or equivalent traffic movements across wide areas.
Skilled in handling high-pressure, time-critical public safety scenarios with competence and calmness.
Experience in delivering exceptional results within fast-paced commercial project environments.
Superior organisational and communication abilities, both written and oral. Capable of presenting complex information clearly and concisely to varied audiences.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Tertiary degree in engineering or related technical field, or equivalent experience.
Tertiary qualifications in safety and/or risk management.
New Zealand maritime radio, GPS, and radar operator certificates, or equivalents.
Contribute to the success of each launch - rare opportunity to get involved
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.
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 ******. 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.

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