Manufacturing Engineer II Composites

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 to 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.

While other companies talk about it we do it!

ELECTRON

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.

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. We design manufacture and launch advanced rockets and spacecraft enabling innovative missions for commercial civil defense and academic customers. Join us as we redefine whats possible in space.

As a Manufacturing Engineer II Composites you will play a key role in supporting production activities related to the Launch Vehicle in a high-growth fast-paced environment. You will ensure manufacturing principles are practiced to a high standard enabling Rocket Lab to meet stringent launch timelines.

You will work closely with the Lead Manufacturing Engineer and collaborate with engineers technicians and subject matter experts across multiple departments to enable the build and testing of launch vehicles. Your responsibilities will include reviewing and processing non-conformance documents developing and optimizing processes tools and equipment for production and supporting the implementation of process changes through prototyping testing and validation. You will also contribute to improvement projects risk assessments daily issue management and 5S initiatives.

Process & Production

• Facilitate the production of current and future Rocket Lab vehicles.
• Develop and optimize production and test operations using standard manufacturing best practices (e.g. Lean Six Sigma).
• Create FMEAs and action plans; mitigate risk within current processes.
• Serve as the SME for the Vehicle Integration Production department.
• Design robust faultless processes and create RFQs for equipment/tooling requirements.
• Implement process automation where possible.
• Provide hands-on technical support for production and test operations.
• Train production staff on current and future manufacturing processes.

Project Management

• Lead and deliver right-first-time project implementation.
• Communicate major milestones and potential risks.
• Coordinate resources needed for project implementation.
• Support continuous improvement projects.

Technical Documentation

• Create and approve technical documentation for production.
• Set and support standards for technical documentation.
• Support future strategy for technical documentation.

Problem Solving

• Lead root cause analysis of complex problems using a PPS process.
• Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with key stakeholders.
• Communicate major milestones and lessons learned.
• Conduct lessons learned events.

Systems & Tools

• Become an SME for PLM and ERP systems (Team Center LN Infor internal floor management system Flame).
• Provide DFM approval and feedback.

Health & Safety

• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed.
• Wear correct PPE in designated areas.
• Report near-misses and incidents promptly.

Other

• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Additional duties as reasonably required.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures.

• Demonstrate technical knowledge and provide solutions to engineering challenges.
• Create and improve technical documentation.
• Assess and communicate risk implementing long-term mitigation.
• Assume ownership for improvements and challenges in assigned responsibilities.
• Identify and implement solutions to improve cost quality reliability and delivery.
• Establish and execute project plans autonomously.
• Exhibit a positive professional and collaborative attitude.
• Communicate effectively with peers and stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional teams and train others as needed.
• Apply logical reasoning and debate skills to discussions.
• Create and deliver training packages in area of responsibility.
• Maintain professionalism and punctuality.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Engineering or related field.
• 4 years experience as a Manufacturing Production Process or Quality Engineer (or equivalent).
• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Working experience with composite materials manufacturing and design techniques including prepreg and wet layup processes.
• Able to prioritize risk effectively and make risk/reward trade-off calls.
• Proven ability to deliver on schedule with minimal supervision individually or as part of a team.
• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Passion for the aerospace industry.

• Experience with ERP/PLM systems (Siemens Team Center Infor LN).
• Computer-aided design experience preferably with Siemens NX.
• Previous experience in a development or production environment.
• Knowledge of production quality metrics.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.
• Proven delivery of composite mould and tooling materials design and implementation.
• Ability to analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
• Experience leading root cause/corrective action investigations and preventative action implementation.
• Experience with DFMEA PFMEA Fault Tree Analysis Pareto analysis root cause and corrective action.
• Working experience with capacity modeling process mapping Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• SPC knowledge and experience applying statistical methods to track process capability and performance.
• Knowledge of composite material properties including resin systems ablative materials and sandwich structures.
• Experience with composite structure repair techniques and processes.
• Experience in manufacturing and assembly of composite structures into larger assemblies.

• The opportunity to work on innovative projects at the forefront of the space industry.
• A collaborative high-performance team environment.
• Career development and growth opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits.

Ready to launch your career Apply now and help us redefine whats possible in space.

If the above sounds like youapply now!

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 here ITAR Regulations.