Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to spearhead the development of advanced space systems. This role involves overseeing manufacturing processes, mentoring engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Join a dynamic team that is at the forefront of space exploration, delivering critical missions for NASA and beyond. You'll play a key role in shaping the future of space technology while working in a collaborative environment that values creativity and determination. If you're passionate about engineering and eager to tackle complex challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Top tier medical HMO, PPO

100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan

Dental and vision coverage

3 weeks paid vacation

5 days sick leave per year

11 paid holidays per year

Flexible spending accounts

Paid parental leave

Disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Strong knowledge of PCB, PCBA, and electromechanical assembly required.

Responsibilities

• Coach and mentor engineers to achieve their career goals.
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause investigations.
• Define and implement factory layouts and equipment selection.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing Processes

Problem Solving

Lean Tools and Techniques

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor Degree in Engineering

Advanced Engineering Degree

Tools

3D Printing

Value Stream Mapping

DFMEA

PFMEA

Job description

Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems

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 - SPACE SYSTEMS

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Space Systems is responsible for process development, implementation and sustainment of high-performance missions in Defense and Intelligence Space. In addition, you will help lead the development of technologies and platforms that will see the Space Systems team deliver a NASA mission to the Moon, Venus, and Mars. 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
• Experience and understanding of proper clean room protocols
• Experience with spacecraft assembly procedures and standards.

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

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, 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.