Space Systems Manufacturing Engineer - Mechanical

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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!

ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB:

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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

This position will work closely, and develop strong relationships with other Engineers, Technicians and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable effective production, test and operation of Rocket Lab Spacecraft.

The primary purpose of the Space Systems Manufacturing Engineer - Mechanical is to facilitate and optimise production of Spacecraft systems and sub-systems for a high-growth, high-consequence production environment, ensuring best-practice manufacturing principles are employed to meet stringent deadlines.

• Taking ownership of Spacecraft mechanical production lines
• Supporting build of Spacecraft mechanical systems 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
• Driving action towards achieving departmental KPIs

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering
• Hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems within a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of common mechanical mechanisms, assembly processes, fluid delivery systems and associated testing
• Proven ability to deliver KPI’s (with little to no supervision) on schedule, as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal and vacuum
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and pressure sensors
• Knowledge of production quality metrics
• Experience with ERP/PM 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

If you meet 50% of the requirements in this job ad – we want to hear from you with a variety of openings currently- Apply Now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

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.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here