Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion

Responsibilities

• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and revisions for Rutherford and Archimedes engines
• Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture and design for test
• Perform Value Stream Mapping, Method of Manufacture plans, and cell design
• Implement factory layouts, equipment selection, and production commissioning
• Develop and document production processes, testing procedures, and safety requirements
• Interface with quality teams to lead problem containment and root cause investigations
• Design and implement tooling and equipment to improve quality and cost performance
• Lead continuous improvement using lean tools and techniques like 5S
• Introduce automation and ensure equipment data links to MRP and quality systems
• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers through development and production initiatives

Requirements

• 4-year engineering degree (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for aerospace materials
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership position

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for fluid components
• Experience with assembly and testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices
• Experience designing and supporting production lines or build areas
• Experience with TIG, EB, laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and precision cleaning
• Experience transitioning products from design to production in fast-paced environments
• Experience with root cause, corrective action, PFMEA, and DFMEA

About the Company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more.