Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics

About the position

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! The Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics is responsible for process development, implementation and sustainment of Avionics Components and Assemblies used across all programs. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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 experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action.

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.