SENIOR TOOL DESIGN ENGINEER I Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Tool Design Engineer I is responsible for design, specification, analysis, procurement, and operation of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and production tooling used across all programs and sites. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: - Lead efforts to design, analyze, document, procure, and implement tooling (GSE) ranging in complexity from basic handling and production fixtures to engine or space vehicle level GSE fixtures.
- Own manufacturing, schedule, and sourcing of critical production tools including the design and fabrication of tooling aids, support equipment and specialized hardware from concept through fabrication and delivery
- Interact with Numeric Control (N/C) programmers, welders, machinists, shop personnel, outside suppliers and engineers to ensure flawless and timely execution of projects
- Lead efforts with vehicle manufacturing engineers and designers on better design for manufacturing when relating to GSE functions
- Drive product requirements, GD&T specifications and manufacturing process into robust, manufacturable, cost-effective tooling designs
- Lead tooling design reviews, tooling readiness reviews and corrective action investigations
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 5+ years of tooling design and analysis
- 5+ years of technical project management or manufacturing design experience
- Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles
- FEA Analysis and hand calculations of structural, mechanical or fluid components.
- Expert knowledge in creating, reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T
- Advanced proficiency of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: - Tooling manufacturing experience within the aerospace, automotive, or other large format fabrication industries
- Knowledge of heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics
- High level project management experience in a fast-paced prototype fabrication shop environment
- Extensive knowledge of manufacturing methods for large precision structures and equipment
- Strong experience developing tooling for development programs from clean-sheet through production ramp up.
- In-depth knowledge of aerospace design specifications (SSMAN 91-710, ASME BTH-1, etc.)
- Advanced understanding of quality standards for typical fabrication and production products
- Advanced experience integrating hydraulic and pneumatic controlled systems
- Strong communication skills with both peer engineers and shop floor technicians
- Proficient with all types of hand tools and basic fabrication equipment
- Solid understanding of advanced structural analysis and solid mechanics as it relates to fabrication
- Provide guidance and mentorship for developing engineers for design and analysis efforts
- Flexibility to travel to alternative Rocket Lab production sites and vendors, up to 15%
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 Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,
you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
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.
Total Compensation (base and equity)
$115,475-$154,675 USD
Base Salary
$95,200-$119,000 USD
WHAT TO EXPECT We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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.
