Manager - Engineering - Zealand

Overview

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 rockethas 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.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED.

As the Manager - Engineering at Rocket Lab’s Auckland site, you’ll lead a talented team of engineers, oversee project execution, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment. This role is pivotal to achieving strategic goals, managing resources, and providing technical leadership. You’ll champion best practices, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation.

Your leadership will set the tone for the team, ensuring deadlines are met, productivity is maximized, and Rocket Lab continues to deliver world-class solutions that redefine space exploration.

• Provide direct leadership to Design Engineers, cultivating 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.
• Unlock production bottlenecks by resolving issues promptly, seeking support when necessary, and driving root cause mitigations.

• 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, with the 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 (Statistical Process Control) 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).

At Rocket Lab, you’ll be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible in space exploration. You’ll work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to a mission that has a real impact on life on Earth. We offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation thrives, and your contributions will shape the future of space access.

If you’re ready to lead a team of world-class engineers and drive innovation in space technology, we want to hear from you. Apply today and be part of Rocket Lab’s mission to improve life on Earth through space exploration.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but…