Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling Verified today
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 humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Role
We are seeking a Lead Engineer for the Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team based at Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. You will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, GSE, and test for the Neutron Launch Vehicle.
What You Will Do
- Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron
- Lead production tooling design to scale manufacturing, increase assembly accuracy, reduce setup times, and minimize crane use
- Oversee ground support equipment design for vehicle test, transport, and integration interfaces
- Coordinate engineering of qualification tests and structural tests
- Manage facility-wide constraints and coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and stakeholders
- Develop technician training plans to ensure qualified performance
- Lead major capital projects to introduce new production techniques
- Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability, and quality control
- Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
- Ensure robust planning and project schedules
- Perform performance management for team members
- Recruit additional engineers as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree
- 5 or more years of engineering design experience
- Experience in a leadership position
Preferred Qualifications
- 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 calculations and FEA
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and wiring diagrams
- Demonstrated leadership competencies including change management, conflict resolution, escalation judgment, and team management
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
Compensation
Base Salary: $116,800 to $160,600 USD
Total Compensation (base and equity): $137,075 to $196,275 USD
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Benefits
Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on company stock, top tier medical HMO and PPO with 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and free snacks/drinks onsite.
Employment Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.