Director, Spacecraft ProductionLong Beach, CA (Long Beach)

Director, Spacecraft Production

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

Space Systems

Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for designing, manufacturing, testing, launching, and operating satellites and satellite components across several sites in the United States, Europe, and New Zealand. Rocket Lab is one of the world's most dynamic space companies and the people behind our success are diligent, move fast, and have each other's backs to deliver reliable solutions to orbit time and time again.

Director, Spacecraft Production

Located at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA headquarters, we are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Director of Spacecraft Production to lead satellite and satellite component manufacturing teams. This role will be responsible for consistent, on-time delivery of products, for maintaining impeccable standards for quality and workmanship, for cost management, and for scaling production systems and processes to meet rapidly growing demand. This experienced people leader will have deep insights into effective production planning and execution and will take charge of a cross-functional team of managers, engineers, and technicians while working closely with designers, quality, supply chain, and business development. This is an incredible leadership opportunity to have full ownership for elevating one of the highest performing teams and product portfolios in the space industry.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Lead high performing teams to consistently deliver on schedule, on cost, and on quality.
• Lead the implementation and scaling of production systems and processes to meet rapidly growing demand.
• Lead projects that improve worker safety, increase productivity, eliminate critical path blockers, and improve quality and reliability.
• Develop, coach, motivate, and retain a high-performance team by fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration and ensuring ownership of and accountability for outcomes.
• Work with the engineering and program management teams to realize manufacturing quality improvements, cost reductions, and continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with business development and engineering partners to ensure new products are conceived and designed with manufacturability in mind.
• Establish organizational standards for lean production and a culture consistent with Rocket Lab's values.
• Closely coordinate and build relationships across technical and support departments, strengthening communications and collaboration.

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of experience in production, manufacturing, or engineering.
• Experience in developing and delivering continuous improvement projects within a production environment.
• Demonstrated track record of deploying strategies, metrics, KPIs, and operating rhythms that drive successful execution in manufacturing environments.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Master's Degree or PhD in a technical/engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to lead and drive teams.
• Strong track record of leadership experience managing diverse, high-performing production teams.
• Ability to coordinate and motivate production teams toward a common vision and set of deliverables.
• Proven ability to utilize lean and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational performance in every area within manufacturing operations.
• An active security clearance.

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, childcare concierge, 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): $135,000 - $220,000 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.

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.