Build Engineer II / Senior Build Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation • Stennis Space Center, MS

3h • Onsite

About The Position

As a Build Engineer at our NASA Stennis rocket engine test facility in Mississippi, you will be the technical owner for the build activities of the Archimedes engine at the site. You will work hands-on with hardware, rapidly solving problems as they arise and driving continuous improvement in our build processes to enable a high test cadence across ongoing development, qualification and acceptance testing of Archimedes engines. This is a fast-paced, high-ownership role at the heart of our propulsion development efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, integration or assembly environment (for Build Engineer II).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing, integration or assembly environment (for Senior Build Engineer I).
• Experience with propulsion systems, complex mechanical assemblies, or shop floor operations.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex, hands-on technical problems in real time.

Nice To Haves

• Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Detailed knowledge of quality standards for typical assembly and production products.
• Proficient with all types of hand tools and basic integration, inspection and check-out equipment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design, fluid systems, and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Own the build process for the Archimedes engine and related propulsion hardware at the test site.
• Design and implement improvements to shop floor layout and flow to optimize efficiency, safety, and quality of engine builds, including designing and purchasing of specialty tooling and equipment where needed.
• Develop, document, and improve procedures for assembly, integration and check-out operations.
• Create and maintain engine build work orders to ensure accurate and traceable assembly operations.
• Support technicians performing engine build work, resolving blockers, clarifying build requirements, and providing hands-on guidance as needed.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of engine parts and materials required for engine builds and rebuilds to support high cadence engine testing.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement design changes, resolve non-conformances, and drive hardware improvements.
• Maintain consistency with production operations at Neutron production sites by aligning build processes and standards wherever possible.
• Lead and participate in problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level