Senior Manufacturing Engineer- Composites

Rocketlab; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 115,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Composites based at the Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD. You will lead the development and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing technologies for the Neutron launch vehicle structure.

Responsibilities include planning capital equipment, documenting processes, and mentoring junior engineers. A bachelor’s degree in a technical field and 5+ years of composite experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5+ years of composite manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout definitions to meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor sign-offs
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where required to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost requirements
• Actively contribute to facility construction projects including requirements generation, design reviews and implementation support
• 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 as related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
• Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians daily

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Capacity modeling

Process mapping

Lean/Six Sigma

Value stream mapping

3D CAD

Tooling design

Automated Fiber Placement

Autoclave experience

Out-of-Aautoclave techniques

NDT/Inspection

Qualification testing

Education

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

Tools

(none)

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, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, COMPOSITES

We are currently seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to be based at Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Composites will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing technologies and processes used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout definitions to meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor sign‑offs
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where required to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost requirements
• Actively contribute to facility construction projects including requirements generation, design reviews and implementation support
• 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 as related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non‑conformances
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
• Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians daily

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5+ years of composite manufacturing experience.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience in Automated Fiber Placement technology.
• Experience both Autoclave and Out‑of‑Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with Non‑Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components.
• Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components.

This 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.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$115,000 — $144,000 USD

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.

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.

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.