Manager, Neutron Vehicle Integration

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!

NEUTRON 

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle designed to deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, with the potential for human spaceflight too. As a 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 reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

MANAGER, NEUTRON VEHICLE INTEGRATION

As the Manager of the Neutron Vehicle Integration team, you will develop and lead a group of skilled engineers responsible for collaborating with vehicle design to develop and produce integration, test, and launch processes and procedures at our LC3 Wallops, VA facility. Primary responsibility with this role will be to ensure streamlined and efficient processes across the various stages of integration, test and launch of the Neutron rocket. You will oversee integration flow planning and optimize efficiencies throughout the entire process, including receipt of test and flight hardware. This position will lead the various teams through a fast-paced environment, working quickly through any issues that may arise during integration, test, and launch.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for the integration, test and launch Neutron Launch Vehicle flight hardware.
• Responsible for developing and enabling day-to-day execution of the 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, propellant system, avionics, and AFTS.
• Provide hands-on support to the integration floor and integration team, promptly addressing any issues and driving innovation.
• Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly and system test procedures based on lessons learned.
• Design high-level vehicle maintenance architecture including build flow and test operations for maximum efficiency.
• Develop and run vehicle system level checkouts for initial and flown launch vehicle and components.
• Manage work procedures and documentation of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements.
• Maintain integrated planning documents that are inclusive of Launch Vehicle configurations and work scope.
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure required testing abilities.
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in overseeing the building and testing of hardware associated with a launch vehicle and its environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in authoring comprehensive work instructions and procedures for assembly, test, and launch.
• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary functions of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.
• Demonstrated experience of Project Management principles in previous job experience(s).
• 3+ years of experience building, managing, and developing an engineering team.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing or equivalent
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing and utilizing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures.
• Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.
• Experience working on build, test of complex assemblies at the system and sub-system level. 

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.

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 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 Biow 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 here ITAR Regulations.