Lead Engineer, GSE & Production Tooling

Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling

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.

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.

• Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools that allow us to increase assembly accuracy, reduce set‑up times, and minimize crane use.
• Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration.
• Test: engineering coordination of qualification 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, and quality control.

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 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, escalation, and effective team management.

• Specific vision abilities including 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.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$115,000 — $160,000 USD

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often…