Lead, Manufacturing Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Ontario Pay Transparency Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; RRSP retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

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.

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.