Lead Engineer, Tooling Design and Support

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team based out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, GSE, and test for the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron

• •Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools which allow us to increase assembly accuracy, reduce set-up times, minimize crane use, etc.
• •Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration
• •Test: engineering coordination of qual tests and structural tests.

Coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and other major stakeholders to:

• •Manage facility-wide constraints
• •Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks
• •Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production
• •Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.

In addition, the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:

• •Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
• •Ensure robust planning, including project schedules
• •Performance management for engineers on the team
• •Recruiting where needed for additional engineers

• +Demonstrated experience with large tooling and structures design
• +Working knowledge of Siemens NX/Teamcenter
• +Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining, welding, and fabrication.
• +Experience with structural analysis including hand calcs and FEA
• +Ability to read and interpret P&ID’s and wiring diagrams.
• +Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate / request help, effectively manage a team

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.

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 .