Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. The Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites and components supporting NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.
The Role
Lead Engineer for the Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team at Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD. You will develop, implement, and continuously improve tooling, ground support equipment (GSE), and test infrastructure for the Neutron Launch Vehicle.
What You Will Do
- Manage a team of engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron
- Oversee production tooling that scales Neutron manufacturing, increases assembly accuracy, reduces set-up times, and minimizes crane use
- Lead design of ground support equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration
- Coordinate engineering of qualification tests and structural tests
- Manage facility-wide constraints with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and stakeholders
- Develop training plans to ensure technicians are qualified for expected tasks
- Lead major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as production scales
- Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, and quality control
- Mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
- Ensure robust planning including project schedules
- Manage performance of team members
- Recruit additional engineers as needed
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree
- 5 or more years of engineering design experience
- Experience in a leadership position
Nice to Have
- Demonstrated experience with large tooling and structures design
- Working knowledge of Siemens NX and Teamcenter
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining, welding, and fabrication
- Experience with structural analysis including hand calculations and FEA
- Ability to read and interpret P&ID's and wiring diagrams
- Demonstrated leadership competencies in change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and team management
Physical Requirements
- Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard, and office equipment for extended periods
- Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools, and technical equipment
- Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
- Move between buildings, labs, and work areas
- Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes in production areas
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range for Maryland: $115,000 to $200,000 USD, determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total rewards package includes company equity and access to: top-tier medical HMO and PPO with 100% company-sponsored medical HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks and drinks onsite. Eligibility for benefits varies by employment status.
Additional Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.