Lead Welder

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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.

Lead Welder

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Lead Welder to oversee the end-to-end operations of our Tube Shop manufacturing cell. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in tube cutting bending flaring TIG welding OTW welding borescoping and a strong awareness of FOD (Foreign Object Debris) control. This leadership role requires managing daily operations driving safety and quality initiatives and ensuring timely delivery of assemblies to our customers.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations within the Tube Shop manufacturing cell.
• Conduct daily safety meetings to promote a safe working environment.
• Set weekly goals and expectations for the team to achieve production and quality targets.
• Assign work orders (WOs) to technicians and clearly communicate daily expectations.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication regarding the status of assemblies and expected delivery dates to internal teams and customers.
• Open and manage new work orders ensuring all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Identify and communicate non-conformities to engineering teams and initiate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as necessary.
• Maintain all machines and tooling within the department order and replace new tooling as needed.
• Provide hands-on training across sub-cells to develop and maintain the skill sets required for end-to-end tube manufacturing.
• Lead and champion 5S initiatives within the cell to maintain an organized efficient and clean work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to FOD awareness and control procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve processes and quality standards.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEAD WELDER:

• 8 years of hands-on experience in tube manufacturing processes including tube cutting bending flaring TIG welding OTW welding and borescoping
• Strong knowledge of FOD awareness and control
• Experience with opening and managing NCRs and working closely with engineering teams.
• Proficient in 5S methodology and continuous improvement practices

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Certification or formal training in welding or tube manufacturing processes.
• Experience with aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with manufacturing software and work order management systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple work orders and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and lead by example
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to clearly convey status updates and expectations
• Previous experience leading a manufacturing team or cell with the ability to manage daily operations and lead safety meetings

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8 hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated heightsmallspaces awkward positions and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending twisting reaching grasping pushing pulling and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle control andoperatetools instruments and equipment
• Lift carry push and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors equipment areas and field locations with exposure to noise temperature variations and moving machinery
• Flexibility to work extended hours weekends and varied shifts as operational needs require

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.