LEAD, MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

As a Lead, Manufacturing Engineer based at Rocket Lab's site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will lead a team dedicated to transforming innovative spaceflight mechanism concepts, specifically separation systems, into manufacturable designs. You will play a critical role in designing, building and optimizing the systems and processes that bring these ideas to life while continuously driving improvements for faster, better, smarter ways to build. In this role, you will focus on improving manufacturing processes through feasibility studies, supporting product design for manufacturability, and leading factory setup and optimization. This position involves troubleshooting production issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and supporting organizational efficiencies through change management and business system enhancements. To excel in this role, you must be a detail-oriented leader, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Lead a passionate team that's tackling complex challenges, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead and manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers, providing mentorship, guidance and performance management to achieve team and organizational goals.
• Conduct feasibility studies and research and development projects to evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Partner with Product Development teams to incorporate Design for Manufacturing principles into separation systems ensuring manufacturability at scale.
• Design, procure, install, and validate production lines and factory systems for assembly, testing and verification of spaceflight mechanisms. • Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiency.
• Triage and diagnose production issues, conduct root cause analyses, implement corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure long-term reliability.
• Drive continuous improvements across manufacturing and test.
• Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design process changes.
• Support business system and process improvements to enhance organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. in Engineering
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering
• Proven hands-on experience proactively identifying and solving complex multifaceted problems in manufacturing systems
• Demonstrated experience with designing, implementing and supporting production lines
• Track record of successfully leading teams to achieve technical and operational goals
• Familiarity with typical aerospace mechanical fabrication techniques, materials, and surface finishes
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action methodologies

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 8+ years of experience in production or manufacturing engineering
• 1+ years managing or leading teams
• Experience with capital and facilities justification, project management and implementation
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the year

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of 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 HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 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, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.

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)

$100,000-$130,000 USD