Manager I, R&D Panel Program and Systems Engineering

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

R&D MANAGER I PANEL PROGRAM AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

As a R&D Manager I based at Rocket Labs site in Albuquerque New Mexico you will be leading a team of hard-working and mission-focused engineers in supporting program and systems engineering needs for CIC and solar array programs.. To be successful in this role you must be a proactive leader with strong technical expertise excellent communication skills and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety innovation and excellence. Youll be responsible for setting the tone driving productivity and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Manage a team of technical experts who provide program technical leadership and act as the internal/external technical point-of-contact for CIC and solar array programs
• Interface broadly with the company organization including program management engineering (test integration design manufacturing and analysis) quality assurance business logistics and production to ensure the program/systems engineering team is meeting the needs of the business and master schedule
• Interact with internal and external customers to discuss program requirements and ensure compliance
• Present group/program status and continuous improvement activities to next level and upper-level management
• Reviews all department work product for accuracy and appropriateness prior to release.
• Reviews all engineering releases and changes relative to manufacturing processes and product configurations ensuring changes are appropriate needed qualified and well vetted prior to their release.
• Manage safety improvement roadmaps based on audit findings and walkthroughs.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and proper PPE usage.
• Drive safety prevention into the teams culture and hold safety meetings and forums.
• Design and implement products and processes to prevent and reduce quality and reliability issues.
• Manage labor allocation cost of quality and cost reduction efforts.
• Ensure on-time delivery by aligning NRE activities with program schedules.
• Propose schedule and manage continuous improvements projects.
• Oversee product performance and ensure adequate staffing levels.
• Directly manage and develop engineering staff.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science in a related engineering field and 8 years of engineering experience in a highly regulated production or manufacturing environment OR
  • Masters and 6 years of engineering experience in a highly regulated production or manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage labor allocation cost reduction and quality improvement
• Strong technical expertise in integration engineering and manufacturing processes.
• Proven leadership skills with a focus on safety innovation and excellence.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• MS in a related engineering field
• Experience in the satellite or aerospace industry.
• Familiarity with high-efficiency solar cells solar panels and composite structural products.
• Knowledge of quality test and reliability functions in hardware testing.
• Strong background in continuous improvement methodologies.

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.