Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II - TPA

About the role

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 some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
• Support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
• Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects.
• Collaborate with propulsion assembly technicians for general alignment, capability, and support.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc. Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S

Qualifications

• Senior Manufacturing Engineer I:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or similar engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment
  • Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
  • Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials
• Senior Manufacturing Engineer II:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or similar engineering discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment
  • Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
  • Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Advanced engineering degree
• Experience with design, testing and development of turbopumps or similar turbomachinery
• Experience contributing to and steering design reviews and provide technical expertise in support of design for manufacture, test, and assembly
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design

Benefits

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $115,000 USD - $175,000 USD

Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.