Senior Tool Design Engineer I
About The Position
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Tool Design Engineer I based at its headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role is responsible for the design, specification, analysis, procurement, and operation of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and production tooling used across programs and sites. The engineer supports the Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Design organizations. The position leads tooling projects ranging from basic handling and production fixtures to engine- or space-vehicle-level GSE. It owns manufacturing, scheduling, and sourcing of critical production tools, taking tooling aids, support equipment, and specialized hardware from concept through fabrication and delivery. The engineer works with manufacturing engineers, designers, N/C programmers, welders, machinists, shop personnel, suppliers, and other engineers to deliver robust, manufacturable, cost-effective tooling. The role also leads tooling design and readiness reviews and corrective-action investigations, and helps guide and mentor developing engineers. Travel to other Rocket Lab production sites and vendors may be required, up to 15%. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering discipline.
- At least 5 years of tooling design and analysis experience.
- At least 5 years of technical project management or manufacturing design experience.
- Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.
- Experience with FEA analysis and hand calculations of structural, mechanical, or fluid components.
- Expert knowledge of creating, reviewing, and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Advanced proficiency with Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages.
Nice To Haves
- Tooling manufacturing experience in aerospace, automotive, or other large-format fabrication industries.
- Knowledge of heat transfer, fluids, and structural mechanics.
- High-level project management experience in a fast-paced prototype fabrication shop environment.
- Extensive knowledge of manufacturing methods for large precision structures and equipment.
- Strong experience developing tooling for development programs from clean-sheet design through production ramp-up.
- In-depth knowledge of aerospace design specifications such as SSMAN 91-710 and ASME BTH-1.
- Advanced understanding of quality standards for typical fabrication and production products.
- Advanced experience integrating hydraulically and pneumatically controlled systems.
- Strong communication skills with peer engineers and shop-floor technicians.
- Proficiency with hand tools and basic fabrication equipment.
- Solid understanding of advanced structural analysis and solid mechanics as they relate to fabrication.
- Flexibility to travel to alternative Rocket Lab production sites and vendors, up to 15%.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, analysis, documentation, procurement, and implementation of tooling and GSE, from basic handling and production fixtures to engine- or space-vehicle-level fixtures.
- Own the manufacturing, scheduling, and sourcing of critical production tools, including tooling aids, support equipment, and specialized hardware from concept through fabrication and delivery.
- Coordinate with N/C programmers, welders, machinists, shop personnel, outside suppliers, and engineers to ensure project execution is accurate and timely.
- Work with vehicle manufacturing engineers and designers to improve design for manufacturing as it relates to GSE functions.
- Translate product requirements, GD&T specifications, and manufacturing processes into robust, manufacturable, cost-effective tooling designs.
- Lead tooling design reviews, tooling readiness reviews, and corrective-action investigations.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to developing engineers on design and analysis efforts.
Benefits
- Company stock as part of total compensation.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
- Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Subsidized EV charging.
- Onsite fitness centers where available.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Complimentary snacks and beverages.
- 50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
- Other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
