Lead, Production Planner

Job Description

Job Description

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 to 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.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab's Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers' missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

LEAD, PRODUCTION PLANNER

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Production Planner plays a crucial role in ensuring that manufacturing operations are efficient, cost-effective, and capable of meeting customer demands. This role will oversee the planning and scheduling of production operations to ensure that production targets are met on time and within budget.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

• Develop detailed production plans and schedules to meet customer orders and internal demand forecasts.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure raw materials and components are available as required.
• Allocate resources, including labor, machinery, and materials, effectively to maximize efficiency.
• Prepare and manage production budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and within planned levels.
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends, issues, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports on production performance, including KPIs such as efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and other best practices to streamline production processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and effective communication regarding production plans and changes.
• Serve as a key point of contact for production-related issues and communicate status updates to stakeholders.
• Ensure production processes comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality control measures.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 5+ years of experience, with at least 2 years in a people leadership position and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years of total work experience).
• Familiarity with QMS software to ensure compliance with quality standards and to manage control processes effectively.
• Proficiency in production planning software (e.g., ERP, MRP systems) and Microsoft Office Suite.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Competence in using data analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar to analyze production data and generate insightful reports.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or Jira to plan, track, and manage production-related projects.
• Understanding and application of Lean methodologies and tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma to improve production efficiency and quality.
• Knowledge of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software if the role involves designing production layouts or working closely with design teams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. 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.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$100,000—$130,000 USD

WHAT 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.