Lead, Manufacturing Engineer

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

LEAD, MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, this role reports to the engineering manager and is responsible for leading the manufacturing team to improve efficiency and yield in the production of ADCS components for satellites. The successful candidate will have prior experience in a high-reliability manufacturing environment with a focus on continuous improvement, design for manufacture, and six-sigma methodology in aerospace or a similar industry.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Learn and document established and new manufacturing procedures
• Create and maintain bill of materials
• Create and maintain work instructions for mechanical and electrical technicians
• Continuously improve manufacturing volume and efficiency through refinement of processes, procedures, facilities, and space
• Research, source, and document proposals for equipment, workstations, and manufacturing methods. Implements solution when approved.
• Provide DFM review to new product designs
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances. Where necessary, lead root cause analyses and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct studies to estimate schedule and cost for various production efforts.
• Train production personnel on new and existing processes, procedures, and equipment.
• Progress alignment of local business processes with those of the global business

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace or any relevant engineering discipline. 
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing environment
• Experience managing a team and mentoring junior team members
• Direct experience with some or all of the following quality tools: Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Knowledge of mechanical processing and assembly (machining, 3D printing, coating)
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing (soldering, dipping, inspection, rework)
• Familiarity with environmental testing (electromagnetic, thermal, vibration, vacuum, shock)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in engineering, or equivalent
• Experience designing or manufacturing hardware for space-based systems
• Exposure to, or experience with, Infor LN, PowerBI and SQL interfaces
• Python and/or SQL programming skills
• Experience with time studies, lay-out improvement
• Familiarity with best practices for working in cleanroom/cleanbench environments
• Familiarity with best practices for working with ESD-sensitive hardware
• Highly organized and able to solve problems independently with strong attention to detail
• Able to collaborate effectively with team members having diverse skills sets and expertise
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as dictated by the programs and customers’ location/time zone.
• This is a fully in-person position requiring presence in the office 5 days a week.
• 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.