Build Engineer II — Propulsion Engine Build Lead

Rocket Lab Corporation; Mississippi; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Build Engineer at our NASA Stennis rocket engine test facility in Mississippi to own the Archimedes engine build activities and drive rapid problem solving on the shop floor.

You will design and implement improvements to tooling, document procedures, create build work orders, support technicians, and coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain to sustain high cadence testing in a challenging propulsion development program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering or other technical degree.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, integration or assembly environment.
• Experience with propulsion systems, complex mechanical assemblies, or shop floor operations.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex, hands-on technical problems in real time.

Responsibilities

• Own the build process for the Archimedes engine and related propulsion hardware at the test site.
• Design and implement improvements to shop floor layout and flow to optimize efficiency, safety, and quality of engine builds, including designing and purchasing of specialty tooling and equipment where needed.
• Develop, document, and improve procedures for assembly, integration and check-out operations.
• Create and maintain engine build work orders to ensure accurate and traceable assembly operations.
• Support technicians performing engine build work, resolving blockers, clarifying build requirements, and providing hands-on guidance as needed.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of engine parts and materials required for engine builds and rebuilds to support high cadence engine testing.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement design changes, resolve non-conformances, and drive hardware improvements.
• Maintain consistency with production operations at Neutron production sites by aligning build processes and standards wherever possible.
• Lead and participate in problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical problem solving

Shop floor operations

Propulsion systems experience

Real-time problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Job description

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Build Engineer at our NASA Stennis rocket engine test facility in Mississippi to own the Archimedes engine build activities and drive rapid problem solving on the shop floor.

You will design and implement improvements to tooling, document procedures, create build work orders, support technicians, and coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain to sustain high cadence testing in a challenging propulsion development program.