Senior Manufacturing Engineer Propulsion

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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow high assurance payloads and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Labs proven execution history with the Electron program. If youre interested in joining a high performing team pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle this is your opportunity!

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - PROPULSION

Based out of Rocket Labs Headquarters for Long Beach CA the Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion is responsible for the machining development of new products and product revisions as related to both Rutherford and Archimedes engines. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization with deliverables required for internal leadership board of directors and investors.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture design for machining productivity quality control etc.
• Select procure and install machine shop equipment along with developing maintenance/calibration plans.
• Develop machining capability in-house for the Archimedes components and implement rapid iterations.
• Design develop and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality delivery and/or cost performance.
• Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects belonging to the fabrication department.
• Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for general alignment capability and support.

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - PROPULSION:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical aerospace manufacturing engineering or similar engineering discipline
• 5 years of experience with large sheet metal welded and/or fabricated assemblies
• Knowledge of large structural welding and processes (such as GTAW LBW)
• Experience with machining and fabrication

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced engineering degree
• 8 years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment
• Experience with design testing and development in welded structures
• Experience contributing to and steering design reviews and provide technical expertise in support of design for manufacture test and assembly
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods
• Working experience with capacity modeling process mapping Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design

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.
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules

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.