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Rocket Lab is seeking a Composites Engineer II or Senior Composites Engineer I to join its Space Systems team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This role focuses on optimizing production of solar products and subsystems for spacecraft destined for space missions, including work supporting NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
You will take ownership of spacecraft composite production lines and support the build of composite structures in a hands-on capacity. Key responsibilities include introducing innovative manufacturing equipment and processes to the production floor, practicing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques, managing project timelines, and understanding technical and program risks. You'll lead non-conformance and root cause analysis investigations, create technical documentation, and advise on design improvements for components, subsystems, procedures, equipment, and tooling.
For the Composites Engineer II level, you'll need a bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering, plus 2+ years of hands-on experience in a composites manufacturing environment. For the Senior Composites Engineer I level, 5+ years of hands-on experience is required. Both levels require knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, testing techniques, and design techniques, including prepreg layup, machining, and structural assembly bonding.
Desirable qualifications include experience with destructive and non-destructive testing of composite materials, environmental acceptance and production acceptance testing (vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum), knowledge of composite material properties including resin systems and sandwich structures, and experience with composite structure repair techniques. Experience in regulated manufacturing environments is advantageous.
You'll work within a rapidly growing Space Systems team that has enabled over 1,700 missions and built spacecraft and components for missions to the Moon and Mars. This is an opportunity to work on groundbreaking products and processes with highly motivated professionals in a supportive environment with growth potential.
