Senior Manager, Composites Production

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!

SENIOR MANAGER, COMPOSITES PRODUCTION 

The Senior Manager, Composites Production will be based out of Rocket Lab’s SolAero facility in Albuquerque NM. The Senior Manager, Composites Production will provide expertise and guidance to the production, engineering and quality staff as it relates to new employee onboarding, certification / training, workflow, manufacturing execution, and developing new processes and improving production capacity and capability. The Senior Manager, Composites Production will help research and evaluate new material, process, and equipment options for all aspects of composites production to include: layup, consolidation, curing, machining, substrate assembly and inspection.  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Leverage and collaborate with existing composites expertise from across global Rocket Lab teams. 
• Provide strategic direction to the composite production leadership team on product development, capacity planning and production output.   
• Mentor and support the staff within the production department to be motivated, effective and efficient in their roles, and provide opportunities for growth and development.   
• Collaborate with production and quality leadership to establish KPIs to track cycle-time, throughput, COPQ, and actual vs budget labor standards.
• Establish a formal new employee onboarding program to train and certify to standard operating procedures.  Work with existing staff to grow skills and certifications in-line with employee’s career ambition/talent and business need.
• Help ensure Engineering delivers well-documented designs, configuration and procedures to the manufacturing floor to build composite components that meet customer specifications. 
• Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for investigating improved materials, processes, equipment, and technology for attaining new capabilities. 
• Collaborate with Business Development and R&D to expand markets and assist with new product development and customer proposals.   
• Interface with a variety of engineering groups and business development to identify proper material selection for engineering structures, components, and subassemblies.  Engage with materials and equipment vendors as needed.
• Research, qualify, and implement new composites manufacturing processes and materials (film adhesives, pre-pregs, primers, potting adhesives, etc.) where needed to improve capabilities, reduce cost, or improve manufacturability of products. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 12+ years experience in Composites development and production in aerospace or a closely related industry. 
• Strong knowledge of conventional and emerging composite manufacturing processes.   
• Experience developing and improving processes, increasing production output and capability.  
• Expertise in composites as it pertains to improving processes and evaluating materials.  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOLD BE NICE TO HAVE:   

• Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design. 
• Experience in both Autoclave and Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques.  
• Experience with Non-Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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 moderat