Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics

Space Talent; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer specializing in Avionics to join their innovative team. This role involves developing and implementing processes for avionics components, mentoring engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will play a crucial role in overseeing product introductions and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. The company is committed to pushing the boundaries of space technology, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions will have a significant impact. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to advance your career, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Top tier medical coverage

Dental and vision coverage

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Onsite gym

Discounted employee stock purchase program

Flexible spending accounts

Childcare concierge

3 weeks paid vacation

5 days sick leave

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PCB, electromechanical assembly, and quality techniques.

Responsibilities

• Coach and mentor engineers to achieve career growth.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using lean techniques.
• Oversee product introduction and implementation.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Manufacturing Techniques

Electronic Circuit Design

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor Degree in Engineering

Advanced Engineering Degree

Tools

Lean Tools

Value Stream Mapping

Quality Control Techniques

Job description

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!

MANUFACTURING

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

LEAD MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - AVIONICS

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics is responsible for process development, implementation and sustainment of Avionics Components and Assemblies used across all programs. You will support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager for Avionics and Space Systems, Production, and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Coach, mentor and develop engineers to achieve new heights in their careers.
• Perform weekly, quarterly and yearly reviews with their direct employees.
• Interview and hire candidates to fill new roles.
• Create team goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement projects.
• Lead/organize meetings as necessary to drive project completion.
• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Define and implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Capital and facilities justification, project management and implementation.
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Personnel leadership experience.
• Strong working knowledge of EEE piece parts, PCB, PCBA, electromechanical assembly, tooling, test, and quality techniques.
• Extensive experience using fundamentals of electronic circuits, design principles, and manufacturing techniques to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced engineering degree (Preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical).
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuum.
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.
• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area.
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action.

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.
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules.

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.

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.

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.

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]. This 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.