Manager - Engineering - Zealand

Manager - Engineering - Auckland, New Zealand

Relocation provided. This opportunity is based in Auckland, New Zealand, with relocation support where needed.

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components to enable access to space. Our Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently launched small launch vehicle, and we are developing Neutron for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs satellites and components, including spacecraft used on NASA missions and the James Webb Space Telescope.

ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB
Engineering drives Rocket Lab’s success. Our team designs, builds, and supports rockets and spacecraft, transforming how humanity accesses space. You’ll collaborate with engineers across design, analysis, development, testing, manufacturing, and launch support to deliver world-class solutions.

MANAGER - ENGINEERING
As the Manager - Engineering at Rocket Lab’s Auckland site, you’ll lead a team of engineers, oversee project execution, and ensure delivery of high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment. You’ll champion best practices, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation. You’ll set the tone for the team to meet deadlines, maximize productivity, and help Rocket Lab deliver leading space solutions.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Provide direct leadership to Design Engineers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on ownership, accountability, and pace.
• Participate in design reviews and make critical design trade-off decisions.
• Develop and execute Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Manage department budgets and forecasting to ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Prioritize and allocate work based on risk assessment and return on investment (ROI).
• Drive the continued evolution of the Electron launch vehicle through strategic planning and execution.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, drive root-cause analysis, and implement timely mitigations.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience: 15+ years in a complex, safety-critical design engineering environment.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to distill complex technical issues into executive summaries.
• Product Development: Proven experience transitioning products from design to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, Inventor, NX/Unigraphics, Catia).
• Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, and Fault Tree Analysis.
• Experience applying SPC methods to track process capability.
• Basic competency with SQL databases and SQL programming.
• Hands-on approach with a passion for continuous improvement and building exceptional hardware.
• Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

WHY JOIN ROCKET LAB?

Join a team redefining space exploration. You’ll work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to a mission with real impact on life on Earth. We offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation thrives and your contributions shape the future of space access.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock space’s potential to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and a commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We value collaboration, accountability, and delivering results under pressure and tight deadlines.

EXTERNAL REGULATORY NOTES

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices: security background checks may be conducted prior to any offer. This may include verification of eligibility to access equipment regulated by US export controls. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand and comply with applicable export control requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and ensure opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to lead a team of world-class engineers and drive innovation in space technology, apply now to join Rocket Lab’s mission to improve life on Earth through space exploration.