Director of Operations, Space Structures Complex

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!

ABOUT NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing end to end operations at the Space Structures Complex at Middle River, MD. The scope of production operations at this site includes full-scale carbon composite and metallic structures production, assembly, integration and test of the Neutron launch vehicle prior to shipment to the launch site.

Being an early stage and foundational role, this role will need to wear many hats and take a hands-on approach to seeing various projects through from early facility construction and setup, hiring of production staff through to setting up site administration and logistics. On completion of the initial facility setup, the focus for this role shifts towards production excellence in delivering to rate on schedule and budget.

This role will work very closely with other production and test sites, engineering development teams and corporate functions such as P&C, IT and Supply Chain. External to the company, this role will require to maintain relationship with key suppliers and therefore maintenance and growth of internal and external relationships is critical to success

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO TO DO:

• Delivery of launch vehicle structures & assemblies, supporting production tooling and equipment and new capabilities as needed
• Deliver production systems at the site as well as leveraging outsourced capability to deliver to production demand
• Build and maintain a team of production tech. staff to support build, assembly, integration and test of development and flight hardware to required production rate
• Develop project plans, budgets and schedules
• Ensure the successful delivery of key projects spanning multiple departments and disciplines, through direct project management and/or overseeing project leaders within the department
• Develop and maintain close relationships between various functions within the Neutron Organization as well as company-wide functions. Negotiate on matters of resource and priority
• Provide regular and timely project status updates to working groups, management meetings and/or in support of board reports as required
• Develop, maintain and report on schedules, budgets, work breakdown structures for a variety of cross-functional projects
• Develop and maintain close relationships with development teams to support rapid iteration in early development
• Acquire technical proficiency on the job, take a hands-on approach in R&D activities at the site and initiative to bridge gaps where technical knowledge is lacking
• Manage, mentor, and support staff to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles
• Identify and provide opportunities for professional development, including coaching for personal development objectives
• Ensure recruitment and resourcing needs are met to support the annual operating plan, including an active role in candidate search
• Ensure direct reports understand their role and responsibilities and receive timely feedback on their performance, both formal and informal
• Coach staff in issues of performance management for their direct reports, including support of formal HR processes.
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed in the department.
• Ensure own and