Senior Manager, Production Engineering

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!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SENIOR MANAGER, PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Senior Production Engineering Manager is responsible for directing the development and implementation of activities in manufacturing, test, and product engineering management. You will support the VP of Operations and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. You’ll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Determine and review all manufacturing processes for cost effectiveness and feasibility, both before and after engineering releases to manufacturing
• Coordinate and oversee configuration of all engineering releases and changes relative to routings, setting standards, data entry, and follow-up
• Oversee all work instructions, product specifications and operator certifications
• Determine product costing via analysis of materials, labor, overhead and yield
• Oversee new tool procurement: determine ROI, set specifications, evaluate vendors, assist in coordinating delivery, installation, qualification, piloting and integration into production
• Oversee all statistical process controls
• Oversee RCCA investigations for manufacturing excursions
• Interface with R&D on new product launches and volume-manufacturing development
• Determine priorities and implement cost-reduction projects; maintain detailed documentation as required
• Track Yield / COPQ performance summary and drive process improvement initiatives
• Drive process capability dashboard (CPK by process)   
• Investigate, justify, purchase, and track all company assets
• Ensure conformity to safety regulations as well as internal safety practices
• Prepare all departmental budgets as necessary; ensure conformance as required
• Deploy the Quality Management System (QMS) as it applies to the scope of work

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience working in a manufacturing environment
• 2+ years of engineering management or leadership experience
• Experience with manufacturing operations
• Experience writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Experience working with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry
• Experience effectively presenting information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 12+ years of experience working in the semiconductor or aerospace industry
• Experience working with cleanrooms and their requirements
• Familiarity with JMP, SQL
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret genera