Rocket Lab

Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion

Rocket Lab$124K — $155K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4-year engineering degree (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
  • 5+ years of manufacturing experience
  • Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
  • Knowledge of aerospace materials manufacturing processes
  • 3+ years in a leadership role

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to design reviews ensuring manufacturability and testability
  • Perform initial Value Stream Mapping and method of manufacture plans
  • Implement factory layouts and oversee production commissioning
  • Develop and document production processes, including QA procedures
  • Interface with quality teams to resolve engineering issues
  • Design and implement tooling to improve production performance
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean methodologies

Benefits

  • Top tier medical insurance including HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored HSA option
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Paid parental leave and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Onsite amenities including a gym and subsidized electric vehicle charging
Full Job Description
Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion is responsible for overseeing the introduction and implementation 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 YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
  • Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
  • Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
  • Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs.
  • Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
  • Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance
  • Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S
  • Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
  • Lead a team of manufacturing engineers through development and production initiatives.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 4-year engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
  • 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
  • Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials
  • 3+ years of experience in a leadership position.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
  • Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices
  • Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area
  • Experience with manufacturing processes, including but not limited to TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining and precision cleaning
  • Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
  • Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA / DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products

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 area.


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, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

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 (CA Only)

$124,000-$155,000 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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