Lead, Manufacturing Engineer

Rocket Lab Overview

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 to 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, 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets – we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions across a range of exploration, manufacturing, and defense initiatives, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Based out of Rocket Lab's site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this role reports to the engineering manager and is responsible for leading the manufacturing team to improve efficiency and yield in the production of ADCS components for satellites. The successful candidate will have prior experience in a high-reliability manufacturing environment with a focus on continuous improvement, design for manufacture, and six‑sigma methodology in aerospace or a similar industry.

• Learn and document established and new manufacturing procedures
• Create and maintain bill of materials
• Create and maintain work instructions for mechanical and electrical technicians
• Continuously improve manufacturing volume and efficiency through refinement of processes, procedures, facilities, and space
• Research, source, and document proposals for equipment, workstations, and manufacturing methods; implement solutions when approved
• Provide DFM review to new product designs
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances; lead root cause analyses and implement corrective actions when necessary
• Conduct studies to estimate schedule and cost for various production efforts
• Train production personnel on new and existing processes, procedures, and equipment
• Progress alignment of local business processes with those of the global business

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace or any relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing a team and mentoring junior team members.
• Direct experience with one or more of the following quality tools:
  Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Knowledge of mechanical processing and assembly (machining, 3D printing, coating).
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing (soldering, dipping, inspection, rework).
• Familiarity with environmental testing (electromagnetic, thermal, vibration, vacuum, shock).

• Experience designing or manufacturing hardware for space‑based systems.
• Exposure to, or experience with, Infor LN, PowerBI and SQL interfaces.
• Python and/or SQL programming skills.
• Experience with time studies and layout improvement.
• Familiarity with best practices for working in cleanroom/clean bench environments.
• Familiarity with best practices for working with…