Machine Shop Lead at Rocket Lab Corporation

Middle River, Maryland, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Jan, 26

Salary

43.27

Posted On

22 Oct, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

CNC Programming, Composites Manufacturing, Team Leadership, Quality Assurance, 3D CAD Systems, Automated Equipment Programming, Cross Functional Team Collaboration, Risk Identification, Manufacturing Engineering, Mentoring, Design Reviews, R&D Projects, AFP Process Capability, Automation, Composite Structural Components, Electroimpact Equipment

Industry

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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. 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! Machine Shop Lead Rocket Lab is installing the world’s largest post-style automated fiber placement machine (AFP) at our Space Structures Complex in Middle River in order to build large scale components for our new Neutron Launch Vehicle. As our Machine Shop Lead you’ll get to lead a team helping to build some of the largest carbon fiber composite fuselage structures ever made using cutting edge technologies and space grade materials. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Be the Rocket Lab expert in CNC Programming Lead and Mentor other CNC Programmers and Machinists. Oversee production of the department ensuring quality and efficiency standards are met. Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintain them over time. Work with composites/manufacturing Engineering to fully mature our AFP process for manufacturing very large composite parts Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in AFP Process capability, automation, and all aspects related to AFP manufacturing. Drive the transition to AFP from other traditional composites manufacturing processes Contribute to R&D projects to expand the capabilities of AFP for Rocket Lab Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs • Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians daily YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED 8+ years experience in composites production and programming. Experience in programming large automated equipment Experience leading a CNC machining department. Understanding of Composites manufacturing Experience working with cross functional teams to solve hard problems on tight schedules Strong foundation in 3D CAD systems THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience working with Electroimpact equipment Experience with Siemens NX / Fibersim Experience with VCP (Vericut Composites Programming) Experience with VCS (Vericut Composites Simulation) Experience in Automated Fiber Placement technology. Experience both Autoclave and Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques. Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components. 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. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion. Base Pay Range (MD Only) $34.62—$43.27 USD 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.

Responsibilities

Lead a team in the production of large carbon fiber composite fuselage structures using cutting-edge technologies. Oversee quality and efficiency standards while mentoring CNC programmers and machinists.