Senior Composites Engineer I at Rocket Lab Corporation

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

18 Nov, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Composites Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Project Management, Technical Documentation, Design Improvements, Risk Assessment, Root Cause Analysis, Composite Materials, Testing Techniques, Structural Assembly, Communication Skills, Environmental Testing, Configuration Management, DFMEA, PFMEA

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. 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, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like 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, 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 the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions SENIOR COMPOSITES ENGINEER I Based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Senior Composites Engineers facilitate and optimize production of solar products and sub-systems for a high-growth, high-consequence production environment, ensuring best-practice manufacturing principles are employed to meet stringent deadlines. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Work on ground-breaking products and processes. Introduce innovate manufacturing equipment and processes to the Production floor. Touch a satellite going to space! Take ownership of Spacecraft composite production lines Supporting build of Spacecraft composite structures in a hands-on capacity Practicing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques Managing project timelines Understanding technical and program risks Leading non-conformance and root cause analysis investigations Creating technical documentation Advising on design improvements for components, subsystems, procedures, equipment and tooling Work within a rapidly growing Space Systems team Work with highly motivated, enthusiastic professionals in a fun and supportive environment. Opportunity for growth If you bring experience within a regulated manufacturing industry, this would be advantageous. YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering 5+ years of hands-on experience within a Composites manufacturing environment Knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, testing techniques, and design techniques, including prepreg layup, machining, and structural assembly bonding. Proven ability to deliver KPI’s (with little to no supervision) on schedule, as an individual or as a member of an integrated team THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processes Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Proven risk assessment and risk-based decision-making skills Working experience with destructive and non-destructive testing of composite materials and subassemblies. Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal and vacuum Knowledge of composite related material properties including resin systems, structural bonding adhesives, and sandwich structures. Experience with composite structure repair techniques and processes Experience in manufacturing and assembly of composite structures into larger assemblies. Knowledge of production quality metrics Experience with ERP/PLM Systems - Siemens Team Center/Infor LN Experience in configuration control and configuration management in production systems Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective actions Proven ability to deliver new product implementation activities on time and to budget Familiar with engineering change processes and implementation in production environments Understanding of process qualification theory 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.

Responsibilities

The Senior Composites Engineer I will facilitate and optimize the production of solar products and sub-systems in a high-growth environment. Responsibilities include managing project timelines, leading investigations, and advising on design improvements.