Director, Space Vehicle Design

About the role

The Director of Space Vehicle Design is a hands-on leadership role based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. Reporting to the Space Systems Chief Engineer, this role involves leading a multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers, guiding and mentoring them, and working cross-functionally on projects with almost every other engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Space Systems Chief Engineer in technical decision-making processes and guide technical development across the Space Vehicle Design team
• Perform functional management duties with team leads, including 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and supporting their career development
• Provide technical mentorship to team members and monitor technical integrity of all team members’ contributions
• Work with cross-discipline teams (i.e. Supply Chain, Assembly Integration & Test, Production, Quality) to ensure smooth interfaces and handoffs within the greater Space Systems organization
• Work closely with engineers, test engineers, and production to iterate through design concepts, with a focus on design-for-manufacture and design-for-integration
• Develop and maintain design and analysis standards, documentation templates, test specifications, and other processes for the SVD team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other technical discipline
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• 12+ years of engineering experience
• Spacecraft/satellite design experience
• 3+ years of experience as a team lead or manager
• Expertise in Siemens NX and Teamcenter
• Expertise in CAD, drafting, and GD&TM
• Multiple successes in bringing spacecraft hardware from concept through launch
• Demonstrable methodological approach to spacecraft design and development programs
• Experience in design and development spacecraft assemblies, space mechanisms and deployables, spacecraft avionics, and/or propulsion systems
• Experience in spacecraft structural dynamics in one or more of the following areas: environments and loads, random vibration, sine vibration, acoustic, and modal testing and/or analysis

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other technical discipline
• Comfortable executing on aggressive deadlines within a high-pressure environment
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Previous experience leading a large and multi-disciplinary team (20+ engineers)

Additional Requirements

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• 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

Pay and Benefits

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $195,000 USD - $240,000 USD

Our total rewards package includes:

• 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
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

We also offer a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.