Lead, Avionics Manufacturing Engineer

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate-change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Role

Based in Long Beach, CA, the Lead Manufacturing Engineer – Avionics is responsible for process development, implementation, and sustainment of Avionics Components and Assemblies used across all programs. You will support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager for Avionics and Space Systems, Production, and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

Responsibilities

• Coach, mentor, and develop engineers to advance their careers.
• Perform weekly, quarterly, and yearly reviews with direct reports.
• Interview and hire candidates to fill new roles.
• Create team goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement projects.
• Lead and organize meetings to drive project completion.
• Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, and quality control.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Define and implement factory layouts, equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Handle capital and facilities justification, project management, and implementation.
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Personnel leadership experience.
• Strong working knowledge of EEE piece parts, PCB, PCBA, electromechanical assembly, tooling, test, and quality techniques.
• Extensive experience using fundamentals of electronic circuits, design principles, and manufacturing techniques to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree (preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical).
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuum.
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.
• Experience designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area.
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, and root cause corrective action.

Additional Requirements

• Sit at a desk and operate a 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 the production area.

Benefits

• Top-tier medical HMO, PPO, and 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 and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food, and drinks.
• Other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $115,000 USD – $160,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.