Lead, Structures 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.

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 Structures 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 major structural assembly production for the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

• Manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers responsible for the production of major Neutron primary structures at our Space Structures Complex in Maryland.
• Coordinate a team focused on safe production methods for all primary structures, ensuring quality product, and robust process design including major structural assembly, bonding, alignment, lamination, and any other process used in primary structure production.
• Consult with design engineers on design for manufacturability and design for effective efficient production.
• Translate between Design (Teamcenter) to manufacturing (MBOMs, methods of manufacture, work instructions, etc).
• Lead structured root‑cause, containment/corrective action programs as necessary.
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non‑conformances.
• 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.
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians.
• Ensure robust planning, including project schedules.
• 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.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to elevate/request help, and effectively managing a team.

• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean manufacturing and value stream mapping.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience with composite materials.
• Experience with large structural assemblies.
• Track record of working with a large and diverse workforce.

• 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 communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Ability or willingness to learn to use and operate powered machinery including fork trucks, scissor lifts, telehandlers, etc.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Level and base salary will be determined…