Senior Facilities Engineer

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 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 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!

Based at Rocket Lab's Neutron manufacturing facility in Baltimore, MD, the Senior Facilities Engineer will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and optimizing the infrastructure required to support Neutron's advanced manufacturing processes. This position focuses on ensuring the seamless integration of facilities systems with production requirements, enabling efficient operations for low‑flow, high‑mix production environments.

Ideal candidates will bring hands‑on experience in facilities engineering for aerospace manufacturing processes, including carbon composite lamination, automated fiber placement, CNC machining, large structural assemblies, heavy lift operations, and large‑scale testing.

As a Senior Facilities Engineer, you will be instrumental in ensuring that the manufacturing facility meets the complex requirements of Neutron's production systems. Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement factory layouts, equipment selection, and commissioning plans to support production needs.
• Translate manufacturing and process requirements into facilities specifications, including electrical load, HVAC, utilities (air, nitrogen, vacuum), and other critical systems.
• Plan, justify, and execute capital projects for facility upgrades, equipment installations, and layout improvements to meet production volume requirements.
• Prepare business cases for capital investments and oversee their implementation.
• Apply Lean principles to facilities design and production system development, ensuring efficient use of space, manpower, and resources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to introduce automation and ensure seamless integration with MRP and quality systems.
• Work closely with manufacturing, industrial engineering, and production teams to align facilities systems with operational goals.
• Support Value Stream Mapping exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, and cell design processes.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferably Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace).
• 5+ years of experience in facilities engineering or manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and supporting production facilities and infrastructure.
• Proficiency with CAD systems such as NX or Solid Works.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.

• Advanced engineering degree (preferably Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace).
• 8+ years of experience in facilities engineering or related roles.
• Experience transitioning products…