Lead Engineer, Tooling Design and Support

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.

LEAD ENGINEER TOOLING DESIGN AND SUPPORT

We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Tooling Test and Infrastructure teambased out of Rocket Labs newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River MD. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the development implementation and continuous improvementof tooling GSE and testfor the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling GSE and test for Neutron

Coordinate a team focused on:

• Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools which allow us to increase assembly accuracy reduce set-up times minimize crane use etc.
• Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test transport and integration
• Test: engineering coordination of qual tests and structural tests.

Coordinate with structures team other Lead Engineers facilities operations and other major stakeholders to:

• Manage facility-wide constraints
• Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks
• Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production
• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture design for test productivity supplier capability assessments quality control etc.

In addition the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:

• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
• Ensure robust planning including project schedules
• Performance management for engineers on the team
• Recruiting where needed for additional engineers

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical aerospace or manufacturing engineering or other technical degree.
• 5 years of engineering design experience.
• Experience in a leadership position.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Demonstratedexperiencewithlargetooling and structures design
• Working knowledge of Siemens NX/Teamcenter
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining welding and fabrication.
• Experience with structural analysis including hand calcs and FEA
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and wiring diagrams.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies especially change management conflict resolution knowing when to escalate / request help effectively manage a team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sit at desk andoperatecomputerkeyboardand office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity tooperatecontrolstoolsand technical equipment as needed
• Read technical documents drawings and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings labs and work areas as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure tonoisedustand fumesin 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.