Materials and Process Engineer

Position: Materials and Process Engineer I
ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

MATERIALS AND PROCESS ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Materials and Process Engineer I will own the development, qualification, implementation, and continuous improvement of existing and new testing methods to support materials characterization and qualification efforts for Neutron and the Archimedes engine. You will support Design, Manufacturing, and Production Teams to properly test and qualify materials and manufacturing processes for Neutron and the Archimedes engine.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

* Rapidly learn and become the subject matter expert on new or unfamiliar test equipment and systems using first principles understanding

* Develop, qualify, and document new or improved test processes, design/manufacture fixtures, create work instructions and training materials, train technicians, and successfully transition processes from development into routine production lab operations

* Own and develop test coupon geometries for in-house materials testing

* Drive process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing the speed or repeatability and reliability of current test methods

* Serve as the technical trainer and mentor to lab technicians, teaching the fundamental scientific principles behind test methods and best practices for execution

* Perform root cause investigations on materials and components using laboratory methods and equipment to determine failure modes and root causes, and draw accurate conclusions regarding material behavior, failure mechanisms, and recommendations for material selection and design improvements

* Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (design, manufacturing, quality) to understand testing requirements and deliver high-value, actionable data in support of the Neutron Program

* Develop and implement engineering controls, calibration procedures, and quality systems to ensure consistent, accurate, and traceable data output from all lab areas

* Support qualification testing of conventional and new materials and processes

* Perform and support metallographic and mechanical testing for material characterization

* Present data and findings to a multi-disciplinary audience that may include senior leadership

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MATERIALS AND PROCESS ENGINEER I:

* Bachelor's degree in engineering (Materials, Aerospace, Manufacturing or similar)

* 1+ years of professional experience working in a materials testing or characterization laboratory with an emphasis in metal additive manufacturing

* Hands-on experience with at least one of the following areas: mechanical testing, metallography, or advanced materials characterization techniques

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

* Master's degree in engineering (Materials, Aerospace, Manufacturing or similar)

* Strong understanding of materials testing standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.) and statistical methods for data analysis

* Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on test data, equipment issues, or process deviations

* Experience training or mentoring lab technicians or specialists

* Hands-on experience with equipment such as tensile/compression/fatigue testers/ Optical and electron microscopes

* Experience developing, qualifying, and documenting new laboratory test methods or processes

* Knowledge of aerospace metals including Nickel/Copper/Titanium/Iron/Aluminum based alloys

* Familiarity with reading and interpreting blueprints, machine drawings, 2-D drawings, CAD drawings and…