Senior Manufacturing Engineer I- Composites

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow high assurance payloads and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Labs proven execution history with the Electron program. If youre interested in joining a high performing team pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle this is your opportunity!

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I COMPOSITES

We are currently seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to be based at Rocket Labs Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River MD. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer Composites will be responsible for the development implementation and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing technologies and processes used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Identify plan and execute capital equipment machine and layout definitions to the meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented including testing procedures health and safety requirements and supervisor sign-offs
• Design develop and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where required to achieve safety quality delivery and cost requirements
• Actively contribute to facility construction projects including requirements generation design reviews and implementation support
• 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 as related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
• Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians daily

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical aerospace or manufacturing engineering or other technical degree.
• 5 years of composite manufacturing experience.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Working experience with capacity modeling process mapping Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience in Automated Fiber Placement technology.
• Experience both Autoclave and Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with Non-Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components.
• Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components.

Additional Requirement:

• This position may require prolonged periods of sitting standing walking computer work and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise dust and fumes in production areas.
• Sit at desk and operate computer keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls tools and 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 to noise dust and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function level experience and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the worlds fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of addition to competitive base pay youll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites groundbreaking missions and global markets your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock) 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 and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$129075 - $171675 USD

Base Salary

$108800 - $149600 USD

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.

Required Experience:

Senior IC