Lead Component Manufacturing & Test Engineer

Lead Component Manufacturing & Test Engineer 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.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
LEAD COMPONENT MANUFACTURING & TEST ENGINEER
Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Lead Component Manufacturing and Test Engineer is responsible for bringing fluid component designs into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Electron and Neutron programs.
You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Create and commission innovative test systems that incorporate mechanical, fluid, and electrical components.
These systems will be used to evaluate product performance and reliability.
Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.
Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of components.
Provide mentorship and training to team members.
When required, lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations.
Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements.
Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures.
Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEAD COMPONENT MANUFACTURING & TEST ENGINEER:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field.
5+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing.
Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands.
Experience with instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

4+ years' experience with aerospace component design, build & testing.
Experience successfully leading a team through a challenging technical project or program.
Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing.
Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with LabVIEW, Python, C, C++, MATLAB.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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