Senior Industrial Engineer

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 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 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER 

Based out of Rocket Lab's Neutron manufacturing facility in Baltimore, MD the Senior Industrial Engineer is responsible for performing low flow, high mix production system design and implementation. The Senior IE will execute projects for product, process and equipment manufacturing improvements including the design, build, commissioning and production hand-off.  

Qualified candidates will have hands on experience in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials including but not limited to carbon composite lamination, automated fiber placement, CNC machining, large structural fastened assemblies, large structural bonded assemblies, large lift operations, large scale test ops, and detail integration operations.  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• As an industrial engineer, you will be a key driver of our production system, ensuring that multiple workstreams are able to efficiently use limited space, manpower, and facilities resources. 
• Review Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc. 
• Define and implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning 
• Understand and translate manufacturing and process requirements into facilities requirements, included but not limited to: electrical load requirements, HVAC requirements, plumbed utilities (air, nitrogen, etc), and vacuum. 
• Capital and facilities justification, project management and implementation 
• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to the meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases 
• Take a “Lean First” approach to production system development and facilitate production system development with key stakeholders 
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems 

 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER: 

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Preferably; Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) 
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment 
• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and build area
• Experience with CAD systems such as NX or Solidworks. 
• Experience in the application of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) 
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment and/or Industrial Engineering Positions 
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment 
• Understanding of Composites Manufacturing 
• Experience with heavy equipment, lifting large loads, etc 

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.