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

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems, known for its innovative approach to space exploration and satellite deployment. The Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion will play a crucial role in overseeing the introduction and implementation of new products and revisions related to the Rutherford and Archimedes engines. This position is based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, California, and involves supporting the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and the Production organization. The engineer will be responsible for delivering key insights and reports to internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors, ensuring that manufacturing processes align with the company's strategic goals. In this role, the Lead Manufacturing Engineer will contribute to design reviews, leveraging expertise in design for manufacture, design for test, and productivity assessments. The engineer will perform initial Value Stream Mapping exercises and develop Method of Manufacture plans, ensuring that factory layouts and equipment selections are optimized for production efficiency. Additionally, the engineer will document production processes, including testing procedures and health and safety requirements, to maintain high standards of quality and compliance. The position also requires interfacing with the quality team to address manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, leading problem containment efforts, and conducting structured root cause and corrective action investigations. The engineer will design and implement tooling and equipment to enhance production quality and efficiency, while also leading continuous improvement initiatives using lean tools and techniques. Furthermore, the Lead Manufacturing Engineer will introduce automation where appropriate, ensuring that equipment data integrates seamlessly with MRP and quality systems. This role involves leading a team of manufacturing engineers through various development and production initiatives, making it a pivotal position within Rocket Lab's manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems.
• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers through development and production initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
• 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 (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices
• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area
• Experience with manufacturing processes, including but not limited to TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining and precision cleaning
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
• Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA / DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products.

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
• 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
• Other discounts