Senior Manufacturing Engineer

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.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

T he Neutron Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for integration, test and launch of the Neutron launch vehicle. This position will work closely with the Neutron Manufacturing Engineer and other key team members. Job scope will include developing processes, working in a team environment, identifying and design build of necessary equipment for receipt and final integration, and launch of the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

• •Develop con-ops, design and drive build of associated ground support tooling and processes for handling components and integrated stages of the Neutron Launch Vehicle.
• •Develop and execute procedures for the integration of Neutron Launch Vehicle flight hardware and ground support equipment.
• •Support Neutron Integration Manager in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of the 1 st and 2 nd stage vehicle integration, propellant system, avionics, and AFTS. Including:
• •Development and refinement of inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly and system test procedures based on lessons learned.
• •Development and design high-level vehicle maintenance architecture including build flow and test operations for maximum efficiency.
• •Development and execute vehicle system level checkouts for initial and flown launch vehicle and components.
• •Contribute, develop, and own work procedures and documentation of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements.
• •Maintain integrated planning documents that are inclusive of Launch Vehicle configurations and work scope.
• •Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure required testing abilities.
• •Develop, build, and maintain Neutron processing facilities.
• •Closely collaborate with management staff and peers from other departments and highly skilled technicians on daily routine
• •Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals.

• +Master of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing or equivalent
• +Experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing and utilizing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures.
• +Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.
• +Experience working on build, test of complex assemblies at the system and sub-system level.
• +Demonstrated experience of Project Management principles in previous job experience(s).

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

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 mo