Rocket Lab

Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling

Rocket Lab$115K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or related technical degree.
  • 5+ years of manufacturing experience in a highly-regulated environment.
  • Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a team of engineers focused on tooling, GSE, and tests for the Neutron vehicle.
  • Coordinate the design of production tooling for enhanced assembly accuracy and efficiency.
  • Lead the design and implementation of Ground Support Equipment for vehicle integration and testing.
  • Oversee qualification and structural tests through effective engineering coordination.
  • Collaborate with multiple teams to manage facility constraints and training needs.
  • Drive major capital projects to introduce innovative production techniques and scalability.
  • Conduct design reviews, ensuring expert input on manufacturing, testing, and quality considerations.

Benefits

  • Top-tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option.
  • Dental and vision coverage.
  • Three weeks paid vacation and five days sick leave per year.
  • 11 paid holidays each year.
  • Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
  • Paid parental leave, disability insurance, and life insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Discounted employee stock purchase program.
  • Free snacks and drinks onsite.
Full Job Description
LEAD ENGINEER, GSE AND PRODUCTION TOOLING

We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure teambased out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, GSE, and test for the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron

Coordinate a team focused on:
  • Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools which allow us to increase assembly accuracy, reduce set-up times, minimize crane use, etc.
  • Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration
  • Test: engineering coordination of qual tests and structural tests.

Coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and other major stakeholders to:
  • Manage facility-wide constraints
  • Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks
  • Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production
  • Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.

In addition, the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:
  • Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
  • Ensure robust planning, including project schedules
  • Performance management for engineers on the team
  • Recruiting where needed for additional engineers

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
  • 5 + years of engineering design experience.
  • Experience in a leadership position.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Demonstrated experience with large tooling and structures design
  • Working knowledge of Siemens NX/Teamcenter
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining, welding, and fabrication.
  • Experience with structural analysis including hand calcs and FEA
  • Ability to read and interpret P&ID's and wiring diagrams.
  • Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate / request help, effectively manage a team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
  • Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
  • Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
  • Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
  • Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.


Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$115,000-$200,000 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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