Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Electron Propulsion

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 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 rocket has 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. 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 - ELECTRON PROPULSION Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Electron Propulsion is responsible for overseeing process improvements and product revisions as related to the Rutherford rocket engine. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors and investors.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials
• Experience in a leadership position

Nice To Haves

• Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices
• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area
• Experience with manufacturing processes, including but not limited to TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining and precision cleaning
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
• Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA / DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers through production initiatives.

Benefits

• Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

What This Job Offers

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