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Rocket Lab

Senior / Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion

Rocket Lab, Long Beach, California, us, 90899

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Senior / Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion

Long Beach, CA 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! NEUTRON 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! SENIOR / PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - PROPULSION Based out of Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA the Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion is responsible for overseeing the introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions as related to both Rutherford and Archimedes rocket engines. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors and investors. (Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Manufacturing Engineer II or Principal Manufacturing Engineer level WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Spearhead design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc. Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc. Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning. Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs. Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations. Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance. Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S. Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems. Develop and mentor early career engineers and technicians YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - PROPULSION: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar engineering discipline 8+ years of professional engineering experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - PROPULSION: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar engineering discipline 12+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a highly regulated environment Experience with assembly & testing of fluid components, turbomachinery and/or combustion devices THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area Experience with manufacturing processes, including but not limited to TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining and precision cleaning Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA / DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products Experience executing projects for product, process and equipment manufacturing improvements including the design, build, commissioning and production hand-off ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $120,000 - $200,000 USD 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. 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 here . 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. 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 hereITAR Regulations. Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at Rocket Lab USA? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. Apply for this job

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We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp . How do you know if you have a disability?

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