Lead Engineer, Tooling Design and Support

Rocket Lab USA; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 113,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Parental leave

Stock purchase program

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Middle River, MD is seeking a Lead Engineer for Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure to guide the design and execution of production tooling, GSE, and test for the Neutron launch vehicle. The role leads a team, coordinates cross-functional projects, and drives process improvements across facilities.

Ideal candidates have a mechanical/ manufacturing engineering background, 5+ years of engineering design experience, and proven leadership abilities to mentor engineers and manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
• 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 a team focused on production tooling, Ground Support Equipment, and test.
• Develop training plans to ensure technicians are qualified.
• Lead major capital projects to scale production and improve processes.
• Contribute to design reviews with emphasis on manufacture, test, and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Engineering design

Tooling design

Project scheduling

Education

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

Tools

Siemens NX/Teamcenter

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, TOOLING DESIGN AND SUPPORT

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:

• Demonstratedexperiencewithlargetooling 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 the team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sit at desk andoperatecomputer,keyboardand office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity tooperatecontrols,toolsand technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure tonoise,dustand fumesin production areas.
• Work in an environmentally controlled environment, where the temperature will be between 17 – 24 deg C
• Occasionally works outdoors in rain and cold temperatures with limited wind restrictions or other challenges.

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 [e-mail] 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.

Base Pay Range (MD Only) $115,000 — $187,850 USD

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, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

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.