Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion AVAC

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Propulsion AVAC

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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!

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Avac is responsible for the manufacturing development of Archimedes' second stage nozzle extension. You will support Manufacturing Engineering, Propulsion Engineering, and the Production organization with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

• Become the manufacturing subject matter expert for the Archimedes second stage nozzle extension.
• Define and optimize the manufacturing process lifecycle across advanced manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing, laser welding, and other advanced methods.
• Holistic ownership of the components and subassemblies, work closely with design, production, and engineering to rapidly produce reliable engine hardware.
• Contribute to technical reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
• Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for general alignment, capability, and support.
• Work closely with upstream and downstream customers supporting the Neutron project on a global scale.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience with machining and fabrication
• Experience with testing and development of large, welded structures (GTAW, LBW).
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.
• Familiarity with NDE/NDT and validation testing of structures.

• Experience steering design reviews and provide technical expertise in support of design for manufacture, test, and assembly.
• Experience with large composite, sheet metal, welded and/or fabricated assembles.
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• Experience in methods of fabrication such as forming, welding, machining and Additive Manufacturing (LPBF, DED).
• Experience with 3D CAD software and production tooling design.
• Familiarity with post processing methods such as heat treatments and surface treatments.

• 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…