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 rocket has 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.
NEUTRON
Neutron is Rocket Lab's next-generation medium-lift launch vehicle, purpose-built for the mega constellation era and beyond. Designed to deliver 13,000 kg to low Earth orbit, Neutron features a reusable first stage, large 7-meter fairing, and streamlined operations that will provide unmatched reliability, flexibility, and value for constellation deployment, resupply missions, and deep space exploration. This is your opportunity to build a rocket from the ground up and shape the future of space access.
THE ROLE
Lead the development, qualification, and production of Neutron mechanical system components and assemblies. You'll manage quality, schedules, and the safety and efficiency of your technician team while contributing to manufacturing methods and providing design-for-manufacture feedback to engineering teams.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Lead up to 20 technicians assembling and testing development, qualification, and flight article mechanical components and assemblies to meet quality and schedule requirements
- Own health and safety in your area, ensuring all procedures are followed, training is completed, and safety culture is role modeled across the team
- Plan work to a 3-month horizon with engineering and program management, allocate tasks to meet schedules, and identify and mitigate schedule risks
- Ensure team follows manufacturing instructions and drawings, conduct root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and authorize release of flight components
- Conduct performance reviews, manage leave schedules, interview candidates, and develop leadership capabilities in direct reports
- Support R&D activities, assist with pre-production manufacturing, and transition processes to full-rate production
- Report daily team metrics and outputs while managing the team's skills matrix and training requirements
- Set and inspire standards of process, behavior, and workmanship across all departments you engage with
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS
- NZ: High School diploma, NCEA level 2 (at least 60 credits), or equivalent
- Minimum 8 years relevant industry experience
- Minimum 5 years in aviation/aerospace manufacturing
- Proven ability to manage resources for production rate increases
- Demonstrated leadership development of direct reports
- Track record of process improvement and efficiency gains
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to read and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Physical ability to perform hands-on work in a manufacturing environment
If the above sounds like you apply now!
WHAT TO EXPECT
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.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
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 here.
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.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] 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.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
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.
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 ITAR Regulations.
Skills Required
- High School diploma, NCEA level 2 or equivalent
- Minimum 8 years relevant industry experience
- Minimum 5 years in aviation/aerospace manufacturing
- Proven ability to manage resources for production rate increases
- Demonstrated leadership development of direct reports
- Track record of process improvement and efficiency gains
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to read and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
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