Lead, Manufacturing Engineer

HireJack; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Toronto, Ontario is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to enhance production efficiency of satellite components. This position involves leading a team, improving manufacturing processes, and ensuring high-quality production standards.

The successful candidate will have extensive manufacturing experience, particularly in aerospace, and a strong focus on continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing a team and mentoring team members.
• Knowledge of mechanical processing and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the manufacturing team for efficiency and yield improvements.
• Create and maintain bill of materials and work instructions.
• Conduct studies to estimate schedule and cost for production.

Skills

Lean principles

Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Statistical Process Control

Problem-solving

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace or relevant engineering discipline

Tools

Python

SQL

3D printing

Electronics manufacturing tools

Job description

Rocket Lab Overview

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, 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.

Space Systems Team

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets – we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions across a range of exploration, manufacturing, and defense initiatives, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Lead, Manufacturing Engineer

Based out of Rocket Lab's site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this role reports to the engineering manager and is responsible for leading the manufacturing team to improve efficiency and yield in the production of ADCS components for satellites. The successful candidate will have prior experience in a high-reliability manufacturing environment with a focus on continuous improvement, design for manufacture, and six‑sigma methodology in aerospace or a similar industry.

What You’ll Get to Do

• Learn and document established and new manufacturing procedures
• Create and maintain bill of materials
• Create and maintain work instructions for mechanical and electrical technicians
• Continuously improve manufacturing volume and efficiency through refinement of processes, procedures, facilities, and space
• Research, source, and document proposals for equipment, workstations, and manufacturing methods; implement solutions when approved
• Provide DFM review to new product designs
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances; lead root cause analyses and implement corrective actions when necessary
• Conduct studies to estimate schedule and cost for various production efforts
• Train production personnel on new and existing processes, procedures, and equipment
• Progress alignment of local business processes with those of the global business

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace or any relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing a team and mentoring junior team members.
• Direct experience with one or more of the following quality tools: Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Knowledge of mechanical processing and assembly (machining, 3D printing, coating).
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing (soldering, dipping, inspection, rework).
• Familiarity with environmental testing (electromagnetic, thermal, vibration, vacuum, shock).

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• Experience designing or manufacturing hardware for space‑based systems.
• Exposure to, or experience with, Infor LN, PowerBI and SQL interfaces.
• Python and/or SQL programming skills.
• Experience with time studies and layout improvement.
• Familiarity with best practices for working in cleanroom/cleanbench environments.
• Familiarity with best practices for working with ESD‑sensitive hardware.
• Highly organized and able to solve problems independently with strong attention to detail.
• Able to collaborate effectively with team members having diverse skill sets and expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as dictated by the programs and customers’ location/time zone.
• This is a fully in‑person position requiring presence in the office five days a week.
• 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.

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 focus on delivering results.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Export Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must meet the required eligibility and authorizations as applicable.