Leading Hand – Space Systems Mechanical Assembly

Rocket Lab•Auckland, E7 1010, NZ• Full Time

Posted 1 hour ago• Technician

Job Description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

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Are you ready to take the next step in your Rocket Lab career? This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of talented technicians, take ownership of critical production processes, and play a key role in delivering world-class spacecraft and components.

As a Leading Hand – Space Systems Mechanical Assembly, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the delivery of complete and high-quality spacecraft and components, meeting customer-driven milestones, and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. You’ll work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, and other teams to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing

Leadership

Lead a team of up to 10 technicians to assemble and test spacecraft, systems, and sub-system assemblies to meet engineering specifications.
Plan and lead daily activities to meet quality and schedule targets as set by the Supervisor.
Manage rosters, overtime, and leave requests to ensure sufficient technician coverage.
Assign workflow and delegate day-to-day tasks to assembly and test technicians.
Provide immediate constructive feedback on performance and workmanship.
Maximise productivity through leadership, support, and teamwork.
Conduct monthly 1:1 meetings with technicians to deliver feedback, set goals, and support career development.
Prepare annual performance reviews for all direct reports with the Supervisor.
Ensure health and safety procedures are followed, training is up to date, and the work centre is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.

Quality & Delivery

Take full ownership of the production process, from components to deck delivery, ensuring all aspects align with Rocket Lab’s requirements and standards.
Proactively vet production orders to ensure alignment between Flamewiki, ATS, and engineering documentation, resolving discrepancies before work begins.
Triple-check all aspects of production, sourcing accurate information from the right people and resources to prevent errors.
Troubleshoot issues using available resources such as drawings, ATS, and engineering expertise, driving redesigns or changes where necessary to improve processes and product reliability.
Maintain a level of quality above and beyond standard expectations, fostering a culture of accountability within the team.
Execute continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, quality issue resolution, and efficiency improvements.

Team Enablement

Act as a facilitator for the team, removing obstacles and addressing shortages, QC hold-ups, and order discrepancies to allow technicians to focus on building and testing quality components and vehicles.
Ensure technicians have the tools, information, and support needed to perform their roles effectively and efficiently.
Manage the team’s skills matrix, ensuring required training is carried out to develop the skill level of the team.

New Product Introduction

Assist Manufacturing Engineering with production line implementation activities, including developing processes and systems for full-rate production.
Carry out or organise adequate training for line technicians.
Become a subject matter expert for manufacturing and fault-finding.
Support future R&D activities to introduce new changes or products to the production floor.

Schedule & Reporting

Allocate tasks to meet the production schedule as set by the Supervisor and planners.
Collaborate with the Supervisor to meet production rate increases, identify schedule risks, and propose mitigation ideas.
Report on daily team metrics and outputs, including quality, schedule/delivery output, cost, and people.

What We’re Looking For

Proven leadership experience in mechanical assembly or manufacturing.
A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
A collaborative mindset with the ability to inspire and empower your team.
A focus on continuous improvement and a drive to identify and implement efficiencies.

Why This Role?

This is your chance to step into a leadership role within Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team. You’ll have the opportunity to:

Lead a talented team working on some of the most exciting and challenging missions in space exploration.
Take ownership of critical production processes and make a tangible impact on the success of our spacecraft and components.
Collaborate with exceptionally talented and dedicated people, pushing boundaries and reshaping what is possible – together.

If you’re ready to take on this challenge and grow your career at Rocket Lab, we want to hear from you.

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 [email protected].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.