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Salary: USD 108,800 - 149,600 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Composites to join the Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. This role focuses on developing, implementing, and continuously improving composite manufacturing technologies and processes for the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure—a medium-lift, highly reusable launch platform.
Key responsibilities include:
- Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machinery, and facility layout definitions to meet volume requirements, including business case preparation
- Develop and document production processes with testing procedures, health and safety requirements, and supervisor sign-offs
- Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for production environments to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets
- Contribute to facility construction projects through requirements generation, design reviews, and implementation support
- Participate in design reviews as a composites manufacturing expert, advising on design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability, and quality control
- Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions for the Neutron composite structure
- Lead problem containment and structured root cause and corrective action investigations
- Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances quickly
- Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links to MRP and quality systems
- Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department
- Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
This is a hands-on role that bridges engineering and production, requiring someone who can work in both office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
QUALIFICATIONS (Required):
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or other technical discipline
- 5+ years of composite manufacturing experience
QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred):
- Experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping
- 3D CAD software and tooling design experience
- Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) technology experience
- Both Autoclave and Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques
- Non-Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components
- Qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible authorization under ITAR regulations due to space technology export controls.
