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Rocket Lab is seeking a Build Engineer to serve as the technical owner for build activities of the Archimedes engine at the NASA Stennis rocket engine test facility in Mississippi. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role at the heart of propulsion development for Neutron, Rocket Lab's medium-lift reusable launch vehicle.
You will own the complete build process for the Archimedes engine and related propulsion hardware at the test site. Key responsibilities include designing and implementing improvements to shop floor layout and flow to optimize efficiency, safety, and quality; developing and documenting assembly, integration, and check-out procedures; creating and maintaining engine build work orders for traceability; supporting technicians with hands-on guidance and problem resolution; coordinating with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure timely parts availability; working with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement design changes and resolve non-conformances; maintaining consistency with production operations at Neutron production sites; and leading structured root cause and corrective action investigations.
This is a fast-paced environment requiring rapid problem-solving and continuous process improvement to enable high test cadence across development, qualification, and acceptance testing of Archimedes engines.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILD ENGINEER II:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree
- 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, integration, or assembly environment
- Experience with propulsion systems, complex mechanical assemblies, or shop floor operations
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex, hands-on technical problems in real time
REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR BUILD ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, integration, or assembly environment
- Experience with propulsion systems, complex mechanical assemblies, or shop floor operations
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex, hands-on technical problems in real time
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T
- Detailed knowledge of quality standards for typical assembly and production products
- Proficiency with hand tools and basic integration, inspection, and check-out equipment
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, fluid systems, and instrumentation
NOTE: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible authorization under ITAR regulations due to U.S. Government space technology export controls.
