Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

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.

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 Senior Manufacturing Engineer to be based at Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Composites will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing technologies and processes used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout definitions to the meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor sign-offs
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where required to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost requirements
• Actively contribute to facility construction projects including requirements generation, design reviews and implementation support
• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions as related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
• Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians daily

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5 + years of composite manufacturing experience.

• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience in Automated Fiber Placement technology.
• Experience both Autoclave and Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with Non-Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components.
• Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components.

• This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
• 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…