Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer – Propulsion in Long Beach, CA. This role is responsible for overseeing the implementation of new products related to Rutherford and Archimedes engines.

Key responsibilities include contributing to design reviews, performing Value Stream Mapping, and developing production processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership background and expertise in aerospace manufacturing processes.

The position offers a competitive salary between $124,000 – $155,000 USD based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership position.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture.
• Perform Value Stream Mapping Exercises and Method of Manufacture plans.
• Implement factory layouts and production processes.

Skills

Manufacturing processes for aerospace materials

Leadership experience

Fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals

Education

4-year engineering degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace

Job description

About Rocket Lab

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. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Lead Manufacturing Engineer – Propulsion

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Lead Manufacturing Engineer – Propulsion is responsible for overseeing the introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions as related to both Rutherford and Archimedes engines. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and the Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

What You’ll Get to Do

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Implement factory layouts, equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems.
• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers through development and production initiatives.

Qualifications

• 4‑year engineering degree (preferably in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership position.

Nice to Have

• Advanced engineering degree (preferably in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components.
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices.
• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, including but not limited to TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining and precision cleaning.
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of a cross‑functional team in a fast‑paced, iterative design environment.
• Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA / DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products.

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.

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 Pay Range (CA Only): $124,000 – $155,000 USD

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.

Applicants Requiring a Reasonable Accommodation

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.

ITAR Requirements – United States Offices

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, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. 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.

ITAR Requirements – New Zealand Offices

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, please see the applicable regulations in your jurisdiction.