Lead, Manufacturing Engineer

Lead, Manufacturing EngineerAt Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.As a Lead, Manufacturing Engineer based at Rocket Lab's site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will lead a team dedicated to transforming innovative spaceflight mechanism concepts, specifically separation systems, into manufacturable designs. You will play a critical role in designing, building and optimizing the systems and processes that bring these ideas to life while continuously driving improvements for faster, better, smarter ways to build. In this role, you will focus on improving manufacturing processes through feasibility studies, supporting product design for manufacturability, and leading factory setup and optimization. This position involves troubleshooting production issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and supporting organizational efficiencies through change management and business system enhancements. To excel in this role, you must be a detail-oriented leader, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Lead a passionate team that's tackling complex challenges, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!What You'll Get To Do:Lead and manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers, providing mentorship, guidance and performance management to achieve team and organizational goals.Conduct feasibility studies and research and development projects to evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies.Partner with Product Development teams to incorporate Design for Manufacturing principles into separation systems ensuring manufacturability at scale.Design, procure, install, and validate production lines and factory systems for assembly, testing and verification of spaceflight mechanisms. Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiency.Triage and diagnose production issues, conduct root cause analyses, implement corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure long-term reliability.Drive continuous improvements across manufacturing and test.Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design process changes.Support business system and process improvements to enhance organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency.You'll Bring These Qualifications:B.S. in Engineering5+ years of relevant work experience in Manufacturing, Production, or Process EngineeringProven hands-on experience proactively identifying and solving complex multifaceted problems in manufacturing systemsDemonstrated experience with designing, implementing and supporting production linesTrack record of successfully leading teams to achieve technical and operational goalsFamiliarity with typical aerospace mechanical fabrication techniques, materials, and surface finishesDemonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action methodologiesThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:8+ years of experience in production or manufacturing engineering1+ years managing or leading teamsExperience with capital and facilities justification, project management and implementationExperience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environmentAdditional Requirements:Ability to travel up to 10% of the yearThis 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.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 world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll 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 HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 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: flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.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) $149,000 —$161,000 USD Base Salary $107,000 —$134,000 USDWhat To Expect:We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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.