Lead, Manufacturing Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets - were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

LEAD MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Labs site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto Ontario Canada this role reports to the engineering manager and is responsible for leading the manufacturing team to improve efficiency and yield in the production of ADCS components for satellites. The successful candidate will have prior experience in a high-reliability manufacturing environment with a focus on continuous improvement design for manufacture and six-sigma methodology in aerospace or a similar industry.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Learn and document established and new manufacturing procedures
• Create and maintain bill of materials
• Create and maintain work instructions for mechanical and electrical technicians
• Continuously improve manufacturing volume and efficiency through refinement of processes procedures facilities and space
• Research source and document proposals for equipment workstations and manufacturing methods. Implements solution when approved.
• Provide DFM review to new product designs
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances. Where necessary lead root cause analyses and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct studies to estimate schedule and cost for various production efforts.
• Train production personnel on new and existing processes procedures and equipment.
• Progress alignment of local business processes with those of the global business

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Manufacturing Aerospace or any relevant engineering discipline.
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing environment
• Experience managing a team and mentoring junior team members
• Direct experience with some or all of the following quality tools: Lean principles Six Sigma Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Metrology Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) Control Plans and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Knowledge of mechanical processing and assembly (machining 3D printing coating)
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing (soldering dipping inspection rework)
• Familiarity with environmental testing (electromagnetic thermal vibration vacuum shock)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters degree in engineering or equivalent
• Experience designing or manufacturing hardware for space-based systems
• Exposure to or experience with Infor LN PowerBI and SQL interfaces
• Python and/or SQL programming skills
• Experience with time studies lay-out improvement
• Familiarity with best practices for working in cleanroom/cleanbench environments
• Familiarity with best practices for working with ESD-sensitive hardware
• Highly organized and able to solve problems independently with strong attention to detail
• Able to collaborate effectively with team members having diverse skills sets and expertise
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting standing walking computer work and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise dust and fumes in production areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.