Lead Engineer, Tooling Design and Support

Lead Engineer, Tooling Design and Support

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.
• 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 engineering design experience.
• Experience in a leadership position.

• Demonstrated experience with large tooling and structures design.
• Working knowledge of Siemens NX/Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining, welding, and fabrication.
• Experience with structural analysis including hand calculations and FEA.
• Ability to read and interpret P&’s and wiring diagrams.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate / 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 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.

$115,000 — $160,000 USD

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Rocket Lab…