Senior Weld Engineer

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 WELD ENGINEER

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced Senior Weld Engineer to be based at our Engine Development Center in Long Beach CA. This role will work under the direction of the Materials & Processes Department to lead the development qualification implementation and continuous improvement of many welding processes used in the production of the Archimedes Engine for Neutron. This candidate shall be the main technical point of contact for all welding-related production issues and shall interface frequently with Manufacturing engineering teams to resolve these issues.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Develop and implement procedures and process improvements for all welding activities used in the production of the Archimedes Engine.
• Author welding process specifications and PQRs for each welding process on the Archimedes Engine.
• Define welding acceptance criteria in accordance with AWS D17.1 and other relevant NASA standards.
• Improve welding processes by conducting root cause analyses on weld related nonconformances.
• Provide expert guidance on weld repair rework repair and dispositioning.
• Support production operations on full scale welded assemblies providing directions to manufacturing engineers and welders on correct techniques in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Work closely with design tooling and manufacturing engineers to improve welded designs for manufacturing.
• Develop and execute welding qualification test campaigns and interpret mechanical testing and NDE results.
• General support of M&P related projects.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in engineering or technical discipline
• 5 years of experience in welding engineering working with TIG Laser MIG or EBEAM for aerospace applications.
• Hands-on fabrication manufacturing or testing experience of welded assemblies.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Working experience with Laser Welding GTAW GMAW and Orbital GTAW welding processes with a variety of materials.
• CAD / modeling experienced with SOLIDWORKS NX
• Experience with X-ray quality structural welding seal welding and hard facing overlays.
• Working knowledge of carbon / stainless-steel / Nickel based metallurgy. Familiarity with Copper and Nickel based alloys
• Strong knowledge of metallurgy fundamentals material specifications and heat-treatment requirements.
• Tooling design experience for welded assemblies to reduce part distortion and improve part consistency.
• Understanding of weld strength testing methodologies standards and data acquisition systems used to make informed welding decisions (ASTM E8 E399 E740 ISO 15653 AWS D17.X AWS C7.X thermos-couples strain gages etc.)
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions including but not limited to optical and SEM fractography/metallography hardness chemical analysis and mechanical testing.
• In depth knowledge of AWS D17.1 and related industry welding codes/standards

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

#RL

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.