Senior Operations Leader: Facilities & Manufacturing Excellence

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Senior Manager of Operations on site at Rocket Lab Optical Systems headquarters. You will lead facilities, machine shop operations, equipment maintenance, site infrastructure, and programs that drive operational excellence across locations.

The role partners with executive leadership to develop operational strategies, manage budgets, capital projects, and long‑range capacity plans to support growth and program execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 10+ years experience, or a High School Diploma and 14 years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing multi‑functional operational teams.
• Experience leading operations, facilities, manufacturing support, maintenance, or production organizations in aerospace, defense, electro‑optical, or precision manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, capital projects, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Facilities, Machine Shop, Maintenance, and Site Infrastructure functions.
• Direct supervisor to the Machine Shop & Facilities teams.
• Drive a culture of operational excellence through continuous improvement, process optimization, cost reduction, and performance management initiatives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, quality, and organizational effectiveness.
• Manage facility operations, including maintenance, repairs, ESD program, upgrades, security, janitorial services, and environmental compliance.
• Lead facility renovations, infrastructure improvements, cleanroom expansions, and capital projects from planning through execution.
• Oversee machine shop operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality support of engineering and production activities.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, capital expenditures, and long‑range capacity plans that support business growth.
• Establish and monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions as required.
• Manage maintenance programs and equipment lifecycle activities including procurement, installation, commissioning, upgrades, and decommissioning.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, environmental regulations, and applicable industry standards.
• Lead and develop operational staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Manage CMMS and facility ticketing systems to ensure timely resolution of facility and equipment issues.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to support successful program execution.
• Support additional operational initiatives and site activities as required.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities management

Operations management

Budgeting

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High School Diploma with 14 years experience

Tools

CMMS

ERP/MRP

Lean/Six Sigma

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Senior Manager of Operations on site at Rocket Lab Optical Systems headquarters. You will lead facilities, machine shop operations, equipment maintenance, site infrastructure, and programs that drive operational excellence across locations.

The role partners with executive leadership to develop operational strategies, manage budgets, capital projects, and long‑range capacity plans to support growth and program execution.