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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Facilities Engineer I based in Albuquerque, New Mexico to support facilities maintenance, operations, and improvement projects for the SolAero production facility. This role is responsible for ensuring all facility equipment meets current standards and operates at the highest availability to support advanced aerospace manufacturing.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and execute comprehensive plans to manage all building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety, and waste management
- Translate manufacturing, process, and testing requirements into detailed facilities specifications for electrical, network infrastructure, HVAC, fluids (air, nitrogen, vacuum, water), and other critical systems
- Plan, justify, and support execution of capital projects for facility upgrades, equipment installations, and layout improvements
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, and subcontractors to ensure facilities equipment meets safety and operational standards
- Develop maintenance policies and procedures to ensure optimal functioning of buildings, grounds, and associated equipment
- Ensure facilities maintenance work follows safety standards, conforms to specifications, and track work orders within budgeted guidelines
- Apply Lean principles to facilities design and production system development
- Support equipment selection, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and production commissioning
- Support EHS compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, implement corrective actions, and perform preventive maintenance
- Monitor equipment performance, conduct evaluations, and implement upgrades to optimize efficiency
The role involves prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferably Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) AND 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or facilities engineering environments (specifically HVAC, pneumatics, controls and steam), OR 9+ years of experience in manufacturing or facilities engineering environments (specifically HVAC, pneumatics, controls and steam) in lieu of a degree
- Facilities and equipment maintenance experience in an Aerospace, Automotive, Medical Device, or similar heavily regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., cleanroom)
- Demonstrated achievements in planning, directing, and implementing complex projects on time, within budget and with desired functionality
- Experience with heavy equipment, large-scale lifting operations, and structural assembly
Desired:
- Master's Engineering degree (preferably Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
- Occupational health & safety skills including risk assessment, policy, training, project management, hazardous substances, and safety in manufacturing engineering
- Knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and/or occupational health and workplace hygiene
- Experience in application of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies
- Ability to be broadly focused while paying attention to detail and concurrently managing multiple efforts
- Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including for executive audiences
- Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and influential skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced, changing, and ambiguous environments
- Proven experience in project management
- Highly organized and detail oriented
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible authorization per ITAR regulations.