Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling

rocketlab; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 117,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Company stock

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Engineer for the Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team at its Middle River, MD facility. You will lead a group focused on production tooling, GSE, and test activities for the Neutron launch vehicle, driving design for manufacture and test, and coordinating with structures, facilities, and operations.

The role requires a mechanical/aerospace/manufacturing background, 5+ years in engineering design, and prior leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5+ years of engineering design experience.
• Experience in a leadership position.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron
• Coordinate production tooling, GSE, and test activities for scale
• Develop training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform tasks
• Lead design reviews acting as expert in DFM, DFT, productivity, and supplier capability assessments

Skills

Engineering design experience

Leadership experience

Education

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

Tools

Siemens NX/Teamcenter

P&ID interpretation

Structural analysis (FEA)

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

LEAD ENGINEER, GSE AND PRODUCTION TOOLING

We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team based out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, GSE, and test for the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron
• Coordinate a team focused on:
  • Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools which allow us to increase assembly accuracy, reduce set-up times, minimize crane use, etc.
  • Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration
  • Test: engineering coordination of qual tests and structural tests.
• Coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and other major stakeholders to:
  • Manage facility-wide constraints
  • Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks
  • Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production
  • Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• In addition, the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:
  • Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
  • Ensure robust planning, including project schedules
  • Performance management for engineers on the team
  • Recruiting where needed for additional engineers

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5 + years of engineering design experience.
• Experience in a leadership position.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Demonstrated experience with large tooling and structures design
• Working knowledge of Siemens NX/Teamcenter
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining, welding, and fabrication.
• Experience with structural analysis including hand calcs and FEA
• Ability to read and interpret P&ID's and wiring diagrams.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to elevate / request help, effectively manage a team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This 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 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, access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

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.

• Salary/Pay: Total Compensation (base and equity) $137,075 - $196,275 USD
• Base Salary $116,800 - $160,600 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 e‑gos 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 CANDI