Senior Manager, Production Engineering

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!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SENIOR MANAGER, PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Senior Production Engineering Manager is responsible for directing the development and implementation of activities in manufacturing, test, and product engineering management. You will support the VP of Operations and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. You’ll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Determine and review all manufacturing processes for cost effectiveness and feasibility, both before and after engineering releases to manufacturing
• Coordinate and oversee configuration of all engineering releases and changes relative to routings, setting standards, data entry, and follow-up
• Oversee all work instructions, product specifications and operator certifications
• Determine product costing via analysis of materials, labor, overhead and yield
• Oversee new tool procurement: determine ROI, set specifications, evaluate vendors, assist in coordinating delivery, installation, qualification, piloting and integration into production
• Oversee all statistical process controls
• Oversee RCCA investigations for manufacturing excursions
• Interface with R&D on new product launches and volume-manufacturing development
• Determine priorities and implement cost-reduction projects; maintain detailed documentation as required
• Track Yield / COPQ performance summary and drive process improvement initiatives
• Drive process capability dashboard (CPK by process)   
• Investigate, justify, purchase, and track all company assets
• Ensure conformity to safety regulations as well as internal safety practices
• Prepare all departmental budgets as necessary; ensure conformance as required
• Deploy the Quality Management System (QMS) as it applies to the scope of work

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience working in a manufacturing environment
• 2+ years of engineering management or leadership experience
• Experience with manufacturing operations
• Experience writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Experience working with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry
• Experience effectively presenting information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 12+ years of experience working in the semiconductor or aerospace industry
• Experience working with cleanrooms and their requirements
• Familiarity with JMP, SQL
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
• Theoretical and working knowledge of III-V epitaxial growth, photolithography, e-beam evaporation, wafer grinding, wafer bonding, wafer dicing, wet etch, dry etch, solar cell physics and testing, friction welding, parallel gap welding, adhesives, resistance temperature detectors.

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 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 here ITAR Regulations.