Manufacturing Engineer I - Composites

Summary: Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company focused on delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Manufacturing Engineer I - Composites will be responsible for developing and improving composite manufacturing processes for the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure. Responsibilities: - Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout definitions to the meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases - Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor sign-offs - Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where required to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost requirements - Actively contribute to facility construction projects including requirements generation, design reviews and implementation support - Contribute to design reviews in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc - Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions as related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure - Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations - Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances - Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems - Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or similar discipline) - Hands-on composite manufacturing experience Preferred Qualifications: - Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping - Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design - Experience in Automated Fiber Placement technology - Experience both Autoclave and Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques - Experience with Non-Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components - Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components Required Skills: Composite manufacturing, Automated Fiber Placement, Autoclave composite manufacturing, Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing, Non-Destructive Testing, 3D CAD software, Tooling design, Qualification and acceptance testing, Lean Six Sigma, Process mapping, Value stream mapping Benefits: Company equity, 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, Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, Discounted employee stock purchase program, Free snacks/drinks onsite