Senior Manufacturing 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 highly‑performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean‑sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Manufacturing Engineer with a focus in Machining based out of Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD. They will be responsible for the machining development of new products and product revisions as related to the Neutron launch vehicle.

• Select, procure, install, and commission machine shop equipment along with developing preventative maintenance plans.
• Develop capability to respond to rapid iterations of in‑house components for Neutron program.
• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, inspection, quality control, etc.
• Source and implement tooling, tool holders, and products for work holding.
• Contribute to the implementation of inspection and metrology including dimensional, hardness, and material identification.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
• Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for general alignment, capability, workload balancing, and support.
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and machinists daily.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of machine shop experience in an R&D environment.
• Experience with 3D CAD software.
• Ability to rapidly iterate NX CAM programs and operate 5‑axis CNC equipment.
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.

• 8+ years of machine shop experience.
• Experience machining composite materials.
• Experience working in Master
  
  CAM and NX CAM.
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Familiarity with finishing, heat treating, and coatings.

• 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.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules.

$115,000 – $165,000 USD

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy…