Lead Engineer, Tooling Test & Infrastructure

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!

We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team based out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, GSE, and test for the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

• Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron
• Coordinate a team focused on:
  • Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools which allow us to increase assembly accuracy, reduce set‑up times, minimize crane use, etc.
  • Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration
  • Test: engineering coordination of qual tests and structural tests.
  • Coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and other major stakeholders to:
    • Manage facility‑wide constraints
    • Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks
    • Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production
    • Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• In addition, the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:
  • Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
  • Performance management for engineers on the team
  • Recruiting where needed for additional engineers

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience in a highly-regulated field.
• Experience in a leadership position.

• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean manufacturing and value stream mapping.
• Pedigree in tooling and structures design
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience with Composite Materials
• Experience with large structural assemblies
• Track record of working with large and diverse workforce
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to elevate / request help, effectively manage a team

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and…