Senior Composites Manufacturing Engineer I

About the position

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights! Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

Responsibilities

• Work on ground-breaking products and processes.
• Introduce innovate manufacturing equipment and processes to the Production floor.
• Take ownership of Spacecraft composite production lines.
• Supporting build of Spacecraft composite structures in a hands-on capacity.
• Practicing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques.
• Managing project timelines.
• Understanding technical and program risks.
• Leading non-conformance and root cause analysis investigations.
• Creating technical documentation.
• Advising on design improvements for components, subsystems, procedures, equipment and tooling.
• Work within a rapidly growing Space Systems team.
• Work with highly motivated, enthusiastic professionals in a fun and supportive environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience within a Composites manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, testing techniques, and design techniques, including prepreg layup, machining, and structural assembly bonding.
• Proven ability to deliver KPI's (with little to no supervision) on schedule, as an individual or as a member of an integrated team.

Nice-to-haves

• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processes.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven risk assessment and risk-based decision-making skills.
• Working experience with destructive and non-destructive testing of composite materials and subassemblies.
• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal and vacuum.
• Knowledge of composite related material properties including resin systems, structural bonding adhesives, and sandwich structures.
• Experience with composite structure repair techniques and processes.
• Experience in manufacturing and assembly of composite structures into larger assemblies.
• Knowledge of production quality metrics.
• Experience with ERP/PLM Systems - Siemens Team Center/Infor LN.
• Experience in configuration control and configuration management in production systems.
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective actions.
• Proven ability to deliver new product implementation activities on time and to budget.
• Familiar with engineering change processes and implementation in production environments.
• Understanding of process qualification theory.