Rocket Lab
Manager - Engineering - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)
Rocket Lab, Long Beach, California, us, 90899
Manager - Engineering - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)
Auckland, New Zealand (relocation provided).
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more — with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable missions across scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate initiatives, and technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB
Engineering drives Rocket Lab’s success. Our team designed
Electron , the world’s most frequently launched small launch vehicle, and we continue to push the boundaries of space technology. You’ll collaborate with engineers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, united by the mission:
going to space to improve life on Earth . Our team spans design, analysis, development, testing, manufacturing and launch support.
MANAGER - ENGINEERING
As the
Manager - Engineering
at Rocket Lab’s Auckland site, you’ll lead a team of engineers, oversee project execution, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment. This role is pivotal to achieving strategic goals, managing resources, and providing technical leadership. You’ll champion best practices, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation.
Your leadership will set the tone for the team, ensure deadlines are met, productivity is maximized, and Rocket Lab delivers world-class solutions that redefine space exploration.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Provide direct leadership to Design Engineers, cultivating a high-performance culture focused on ownership, accountability, and pace.
Participate in design reviews and make critical design trade-off decisions.
Develop and execute Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Manage department budgets and forecasting to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Prioritize and allocate work based on risk assessment and ROI.
Drive the continued evolution of the Electron launch vehicle through strategic planning and execution.
Resolve production bottlenecks by addressing issues, seeking support when needed, and driving root-cause mitigations.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
Experience:
15+ years in a complex, safety-critical design engineering environment.
Communication:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical issues into executive summaries.
Product Development:
Proven experience transitioning products from design to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, NX/Unigraphics, Catia).
Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, and Fault Tree Analysis.
Experience applying SPC (Statistical Process Control) methods to track process capability.
Basic competency with SQL databases and SQL programming.
Hands-on approach with a passion for continuous improvement and building exceptional hardware.
Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
WHY JOIN ROCKET LAB?
Join a team redefining space exploration. Work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to a mission with real impact on life on Earth. We offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation thrives and your contributions shape the future of space access.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our mission is to unlock space’s potential to improve life on Earth. This requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and the ability to deliver under pressure and tight deadlines. We value collaboration, accountability, and delivering results.
EEO AND EXPORT COMPLIANCE
Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunities and compliance with applicable laws. For candidates seeking to work in the United States: ITAR-related restrictions and export controls may apply. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand: background checks may be undertaken prior to employment to ensure eligibility to access regulated equipment and data.
For more information about ITAR or export compliance policies, or for accommodation requests related to the application process, please contact the appropriate Rocket Lab representative as listed in the application process.
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Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more — with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable missions across scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate initiatives, and technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB
Engineering drives Rocket Lab’s success. Our team designed
Electron , the world’s most frequently launched small launch vehicle, and we continue to push the boundaries of space technology. You’ll collaborate with engineers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, united by the mission:
going to space to improve life on Earth . Our team spans design, analysis, development, testing, manufacturing and launch support.
MANAGER - ENGINEERING
As the
Manager - Engineering
at Rocket Lab’s Auckland site, you’ll lead a team of engineers, oversee project execution, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment. This role is pivotal to achieving strategic goals, managing resources, and providing technical leadership. You’ll champion best practices, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation.
Your leadership will set the tone for the team, ensure deadlines are met, productivity is maximized, and Rocket Lab delivers world-class solutions that redefine space exploration.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Provide direct leadership to Design Engineers, cultivating a high-performance culture focused on ownership, accountability, and pace.
Participate in design reviews and make critical design trade-off decisions.
Develop and execute Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Manage department budgets and forecasting to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Prioritize and allocate work based on risk assessment and ROI.
Drive the continued evolution of the Electron launch vehicle through strategic planning and execution.
Resolve production bottlenecks by addressing issues, seeking support when needed, and driving root-cause mitigations.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
Experience:
15+ years in a complex, safety-critical design engineering environment.
Communication:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical issues into executive summaries.
Product Development:
Proven experience transitioning products from design to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, NX/Unigraphics, Catia).
Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, and Fault Tree Analysis.
Experience applying SPC (Statistical Process Control) methods to track process capability.
Basic competency with SQL databases and SQL programming.
Hands-on approach with a passion for continuous improvement and building exceptional hardware.
Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
WHY JOIN ROCKET LAB?
Join a team redefining space exploration. Work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to a mission with real impact on life on Earth. We offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation thrives and your contributions shape the future of space access.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our mission is to unlock space’s potential to improve life on Earth. This requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and the ability to deliver under pressure and tight deadlines. We value collaboration, accountability, and delivering results.
EEO AND EXPORT COMPLIANCE
Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunities and compliance with applicable laws. For candidates seeking to work in the United States: ITAR-related restrictions and export controls may apply. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand: background checks may be undertaken prior to employment to ensure eligibility to access regulated equipment and data.
For more information about ITAR or export compliance policies, or for accommodation requests related to the application process, please contact the appropriate Rocket Lab representative as listed in the application process.
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