Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 calcs and FEA
• Ability to read and interpret P&’s and wiring diagrams.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to expand / request help, effectively manage a team

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,
you’ll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package
, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our…