Production Supervisor

Rocket Lab USA; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 95,800 - 119,800; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is looking for a Production Supervisor, Composites, based in Middle River, Maryland. This role involves leading a production team that builds and integrates composite components for the Neutron rocket. The supervisor will manage workflow, set daily objectives, and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates have a high-school diploma, significant experience in technical settings, and leadership in production environments. A salary range of $95,800 to $119,800 USD is offered based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an operating technician in technical environments.
• At least 1 year of team-leadership experience in a production environment.
• Experience with complex facility systems management.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of technicians at the SSC Production Site.
• Set and track production objectives and schedules.
• Drive improvement projects for quality and safety.

Skills

Team leadership

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Safety processes knowledge

Computer proficiency (MS Office)

Education

High-school diploma

Technical degree (preferred)

Tools

Shop-floor management software (ERP/MES)

Job description

Production Supervisor, Composites

Based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex facility in Middle River, Maryland, the Production Supervisor, Composites leads a production team that builds, assembles, and integrates multiple large composite assemblies for the Neutron rocket. The role entails setting daily job assignments, managing workflow, and ensuring continuous progress and adherence to quality, safety, and schedule standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of highly qualified technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities at the SSC Production Site.
• Set daily tactical and weekly strategic objectives for several production work cells.
• Track output against delivery objectives, manage capacity planning and schedule.
• Drive and encourage improvement projects and work‑instruction feedback that reduce touch‑time, improve quality, or diminish safety risk.
• Lead basic preventive maintenance across the facility.
• Ensure team training and compliance with health and safety policies, including proper PPE use.
• Own training for composite technicians, transferring knowledge from New Zealand training programs.
• Transfer manufacturing technologies from New Zealand to Maryland.

Qualifications

• High‑school diploma and 5+ years of experience as an operating technician in test facilities, industrial plants, or other technical environments.
• At least 1 year of team‑leadership experience in a production environment.
• Experience with operations management, including daily scheduling, building, operating, and maintaining complex facility systems.
• Experience with apprentice‑style training programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a technical discipline.
• A&P license or Composites Technical Apprenticeship.
• Experience in a fast‑paced production environment working in a similar test facility.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings.
• Knowledge of safety processes and experience handling hazardous goods and materials.
• Proven ability to align capacity with development and production forecasts.
• Proven ability to manage resources to meet expected test‑rate increases.
• Experience implementing lean‑manufacturing techniques.
• Proficiency with computers, MS Office, and shop‑floor management software (ERP/MES).

Additional Physical Requirements

• If standing for long periods, climbing ladders, bending, grasping, and moving objects is required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods (at least 8 hours).
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl and maneuver in confined areas.

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $95,800 – $119,800 USD.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, 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.