Manager Avionics 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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Rocket Labs Electron team is responsible for building testing and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the worlds most frequently-launched rockets and our team behind its success are diligent move fast and have each others back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

The Avionics Production Manager has overall ownership for their department. They work closely with the production senior leadership and engineering leaders within the company to ensure production output from their teams meets required output rate and quality standards.

Managing the three primary teams of Components Harnesses and HV Batteries they areresponsible for all aspects of these departments including budget management recruitment capacity planning and production output (quality and schedule).
Performance in this position will be measured by the ability to maintain high-performance production teams that efficiently produce high quality aerospace components at the rate required to meet Rocket Labs constantly growing customer demand while also supporting the R&D needs of the business without compromising on production schedules.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Experience leading managing and growing a diverse team on fast-paced projects
• Experienced with creating and managing work cell standard work and track deviation from that standard work
• Demonstrated experience leading teams through change management initiatives that influence culture define tools & processes and improve competencies
• Experience managing capital improvement projects

YOULL BRING THE BELOW EXPERIENCE:

• BE BA or BS degree or equivalent trade experience with emphasis in Operation Management or Manufacturing Engineering and progressive responsibility increases
• 15 years experience in manufacturing experience in aerospace or a closely related industry such as launch vehicles aircraft helicopters automotive excavation mining energy or shipbuilding
• Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team internal customers and suppliers that includes a strong focus on teamwork and internal/external customer satisfaction
• Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally within a geographically disperse organization
• An attitude of world-class mission assurance quality attention to detail and dedication

THESE SKILLS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Strong knowledge and applied experiences in Lean Manufacturing
• Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment and knowledge of materials management theories processes and practices
• Strong knowledge of conventional and emerging manufacturing and assembly processes

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.