Lead, Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems

About this 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 to 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.

MANUFACTURING

Manufacturing Engineering powers Rocket Lab’s factories from concept to full-scale production. We turn early ideas into manufacturable designs, build and optimize the systems that make them real, and constantly push for faster, better, smarter ways to build. We engineer the factories that build the rockets, boosting quality, cutting cost, and accelerating build rate.

LEAD MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - SPACE SYSTEMS

This role focuses on improving manufacturing processes through feasibility studies, supporting product design for manufacturability, and leading factory setup and optimization. It involves troubleshooting production issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and supporting organizational efficiency through change management and business system enhancements, while also taking on leadership responsibilities to guide teams and initiatives.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Prepare feasibility studies and conduct manufacturing technology Research & Development projects 

• Partner with our Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into our products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale 

• Engineer and deliver our factories – design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processes 

• Support Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate the production ramp up 

• Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiency 

• Triage and diagnose failures, conduct deep technical investigations and determine the right path forward including risk mitigation actions and root cause resolution 

• Collaborate with cross functional teams to resolve complex issues  

• Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test and integration 

• Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changes 

• Support business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency  

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or similar 

• 5+ years of technical experience in a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering environment

• Hands-on experience proactively identifying and solving systemic multifaceted problems in complex manufacturing systems

• Ability to effectively deliver multiple complex multifaceted assignments simultaneously with autonomy

• Ability to effectively coach and mentor others to raise the bar across multiple teams  

• Detailed technical knowledge in complex manufacturing processes

• Personnel leadership experience 

• Capital and facilities justification, project management and implementation

• Perform periodic reviews with direct employees

• Interview and hire candidates to fill new roles

• Create team goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement projects

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuum

• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors

• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area

• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment

• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s disc

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