Director, Spacecraft Production
Director, Spacecraft Production
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
$ 135000 - 220000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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 1700 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!
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Labs Space Systems team is responsible for designing manufacturing testing launching and operating satellites and satellite components across several sites in the United States Europe and New Zealand. Rocket Lab is one of the worlds most dynamic space companies and the people behind our success are diligent move fast and have each others back s to deliver reliable solutions to orbit time and time again.
DIRECTOR SPACECRAFT PRODUCTION
Located at Rocket Labs Long Beach CA headquarters we are seeking a highly motivated and results driven Director of Spacecraft Production to lead satellite and satellite component manufacturing teams. This role will be responsible for consistent on-time delivery of products for maintaining impeccable standards for quality and workmanship for cost management and for scaling production systems and processes to meet rapidly growing demand. This experienced people leader will have deep insights into effective production planning and execution and will take charge of a cross-functional team of managers engineers and technicians while working closely with designers quality supply chain and business development. This is an incredible leadership opportunity to have full ownership for elevating one of the highest performing teams and product portfolios in the space industry.
WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:
- Lead high performing teams to consistently deliver on schedule on cost and on quality.
- Lead the implementation and scaling of production systems and processes to meet rapidly growing demand.
- Lead projects that improve worker safety increase productivity eliminate critical path blockers and improve quality and reliability.
- Develop coach motivate and retain a high-performance team by fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration and ensuring ownership of and accountability for outcomes.
- Work with the engineering and program management teams to realize manufacturing quality improvements cost reductions and continuous improvements.
- Collaborate with business development and engineering partners to ensure new products are conceived and designed with manufacturability in mind.
- Establish organizational standards for lean production and a culture consistent with Rocket Labs values.
- Closely coordinate and build relationships across technical and support departments strengthening communications and collaboration.
YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelors degree in manufacturing engineering aerospace engineering mechanical engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
- 12 years of experience in production manufacturing or engineering.
- Experience in developing and delivering continuous improvement projects within a production environment.
- Demonstrated track record of deploying strategies metrics KPIs and operating rhythms that drive successful execution in manufacturing environments.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Masters Degree or PhD in a technical/engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to lead and drive teams.
- Strong track record of leadership experience managing diverse high-performing production teams.
- Ability to coordinate and motivate production teams toward a common vision and set of deliverables.
- Proven ability to utilize lean and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational performance in every area within manufacturing operations.
- An active security clearance.
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
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.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the companys discretion.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$135000 - $220000 USD
WHAT TO EXPECT
Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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. Learn more about ITAR here.
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 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 hereITAR Regulations.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full Time
