Manager, Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion
Rocket Lab

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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!

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, MANAGER (PROP)

As the Manufacturing Engineering Manager for Rocket Lab's Propulsion and Sub-Assemblies, you'll play a pivotal role in technology development and platform development for high performance missions for Space Systems, Electron, and Neutron products/customers. You will need to maintain and expand a high performing team to strongly collaborate with the development team and take complete ownership of the product development, manufacturing and testing programs.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Leadership

• Coach, mentor and develop engineers to achieve new heights in their careers.
• Perform weekly, quarterly and yearly reviews with their direct employees
• Interview and hire candidates to fill new roles
• Create team goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement projects
• Lead/organize meetings as necessary to drive project completion

Design for Manufacture:

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions

Process, Tooling & Equipment:

• Provide Engineering support for day-to-day production processes
• Complete analysis and identify improvements for production safety, quality, delivery and cost
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor sign-offs.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance

Quality:

• When required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities
• Liaise between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to the meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
• Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians daily

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering degree (Preferably Electrical, or Aerospace)
• 8+ years' of experience in a design, development, manufacturing and test environment.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing engineers with different levels of experience
• Expert capability to execute projects for product, process and equipment manufacturing improvements including the design, build, commissioning and production hand-off
• Experience in developing, implementing, and continuously improving processes through strong working knowledge of fluids assembly, tooling, test, and quality techniques.
• Have expert knowledge for aerospace materials including but not limited to TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining and precision cleaning.
• Have performed root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA / DFMEA of complex manufacturing processes and products

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• A highly organized and proactive approach to your work

ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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, childcare concierge, 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 discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$110,000-$185,000 USD

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.

Important information:

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 Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 ITAR Regulations.

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