Launch Safety Operator

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!