Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems

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

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

LEAD MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - SPACE SYSTEMS

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems is responsible for process development, implementation and sustainment of high-performance missions in Defense and Intelligence Space. In addition, you will help lead the development of technologies and platforms that will see the Space Systems team deliver a NASA mission to the Moon, Venus, and Mars. You will support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager for Avionics and Space Systems, Production, and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• 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
• 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
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Define and implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning
• Capital and facilities justification, project management and implementation
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical)
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Personnel leadership experience 
• Strong working knowledge of EEE piece parts, PCB, PCBA, electromechanical assembly, tooling, test, and quality techniques
• Extensive experience using fundamentals of electronic circuits, design principles, and manufacturing techniques to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment
• Experience and understanding of proper clean room protocols
• Experience with spacecraft assembly procedures and standards.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Advanced engineering degree (Preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical)
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 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 experie