NoneOnsite · Aerospace

Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling

Rocket Lab · Middle River, MD

Mission Brief

Core Responsibilities

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p> <p>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.</p></div><p> </p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">LEAD ENGINEER, GSE AND PRODUCTION TOOLING</span></strong></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team</span><strong> </strong><span data-contrast="auto">based out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement </span><span data-contrast="auto">of tooling, GSE, and test</span><span data-contrast="auto"> for the Neutron Launch Vehicle. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Coordinate a team focused on:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto"> Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools which allow us to increase assembly accuracy, reduce set-up times, minimize crane use, etc.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto"> Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Test: engineering coordination of qual tests and structural tests.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and other major stakeholders to:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto"> Manage facility-wide constraints</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto"> Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto"> Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.</span></li> </ul> <p><span data-contrast="auto">In addition, the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Ensure robust planning, including project schedules</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Performance management for engineers on the team</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Recruiting where needed for additional engineers</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">5 + years of engineering design experience. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li> <li>Experience in a leadership position.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Demonstrated experience with large tooling and structures design </span></li> <li>Working knowledge of Siemens NX/Teamcenter<span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></li> <li>Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining, welding, and fabrication.  </li> <li>Experience with structural analysis including hand calcs and FEA</li> <li>Ability to read and interpret P&ID’s and wiring diagrams.  </li> <li>Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate / request help, effectively manage a team</li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p> </p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in;" type="disc"> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods </span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed </span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision </span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed </span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas. </span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p></p> <p><em>Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.</em></p> <p><em>Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. <span data-teams="true"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak">Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.</span></span></em></p> <p><em>Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.</em></p> <p></p></div><div class="title">Base Pay Range (MD Only)</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$115,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$187,850 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p> <p>Important information:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p> <p><em>To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&d=DwMFog&c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&e=">here</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.</em></p> <p><em>Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at <a href="mailto:g.biow@rocketlabusa.com">g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.</a>This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.</em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p> <p><em>For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. </em></p> <p><em>Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here <a class="fui-Link ___m14voj0 f3rmtva f1ern45e f1deefiw f1n71otn f1q5o8ev f1h8hb77 f1vxd6vx f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f9n3di6 f1ids18y fygtlnl f1deo86v f12x56k7 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f50u1b5 fs3pq8b f1hghxdh f1tymzes f1x7u7e9 f1cmlufx f10aw75t fsle3fq" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii" target="_blank">ITAR Regulations.</a></em></p></div>

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