Senior Manager, Composites Production

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 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 rockethas 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

SENIOR MANAGER COMPOSITES PRODUCTION

Based at Rocket Labs site in Albuquerque New Mexico the Senior Manager Composites Production will oversee the design development testing and manufacturing of composite materials and structures used in aerospace applications particularly in the production of solar panels and related components. You would play a crucial role in ensuring that the companys products maintain their high standards of performance and reliability essential for their application in demanding aerospace environments. Youll be responsible for setting the tone driving productivity and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead mentor and manage a team of engineers technicians and other professionals involved in composite materials and processes.
• Oversee the design and development of new composite materials and components.
• Ensure that the composite materials meet the stringent performance durability and weight requirements of aerospace applications.
• Select appropriate composite materials such as carbon fiber aramid and other advanced polymers.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes including lay-up curing machining and assembly.
• Establish and maintain quality control procedures to ensure that products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Implement testing protocols and failure analysis to ensure the reliability and durability of composite materials.
• Drive research and development initiatives to innovate and improve composite technologies.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in composite materials and manufacturing processes.
• Manage project timelines budgets and resources to ensure that deliverables are met on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with other departments such as procurement logistics and production to ensure smooth project execution.
• Interact with clients suppliers and stakeholders to understand requirements and provide technical expertise.
• Present technical information and progress reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure that all manufacturing processes and materials comply with safety and environmental regulations.
• Promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility within the team.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors in mechanical aerospace electrical or chemical engineering or other technical field.
• 10 years of leadership experience in composites manufacturing.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters in mechanical aerospace electrical chemical engineering or related field.
• Leadership experience in aerospace preferred but not required.
• Experience with design development testing and manufacturing of composite materials and structures used in aerospace applications.
• Ability to read analyze and interpret general business periodicals professional journals technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers clients customers and the general public.
• Must be able to speak read write and understand the English language.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions percentages ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems collect data establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Knowledge of modern manufacturing methods.
• Experience with composite materials preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and layup of graphite composites preferred.
• Leadership skills including team building providing direction managing conflict and motivating teams to resolve technical issues.
• Demonstrated ability to be customer-service oriented.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other departments within the organization.

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.

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.