Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion

$95,000 - $135,000/Yr

Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Long Beach, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion at Rocket Lab is responsible for overseeing the introduction and implementation of new products and revisions related to the Rutherford and Archimedes engines. This role involves supporting the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production, contributing to design reviews, and leading a team of manufacturing engineers to enhance production processes and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, and productivity.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises and develop Method of Manufacture plans.
• Implement factory layouts, equipment selection, and production commissioning.
• Develop and document production processes, including testing procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities and lead problem containment investigations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for production to improve quality and cost performance.
• Lead continuous improvement processes using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links to MRP and quality systems.
• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers through development and production initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership position.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced engineering degree (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace preferred).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components.
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices.
• Experience with designing and supporting a production line.
• Experience with various manufacturing processes including TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, and CNC machining.
• Experience transitioning products from design to production in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects.

Benefits

• 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 and life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.