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Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems, designing, building, and launching advanced rockets and spacecraft for commercial, civil, defense, and academic customers. This Team Lead role manages a team of engineers delivering projects across production tooling, ground support equipment, and test and launch infrastructure for the Neutron program.
You will lead engineering teams responsible for design for manufacturing, testing, quality control, risk assessment, and productivity improvements. You'll act as a subject matter expert and technical decision maker, driving robust planning and resource allocation to meet aggressive deadlines. The role involves collaboration with diverse global teams across the Neutron program to support development, production, test, and operational needs, with project delivery spanning multiple sites in New Zealand and the USA.
People leadership responsibilities include mentoring and coaching team members to develop capability and a culture of ownership and execution, managing professional development, and recruiting new talent as needed.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or related technical field; 6+ years of engineering design experience; and 1+ years in engineering management, team management, or project management. Ideal candidates will have experience with large tooling, equipment, or structure design; launch pad systems; or industries such as oil & gas, process, or mining. Familiarity with NASA, ASME, ASTM, IEC, or AS/NZS standards, Siemens NX/Teamcenter, project management software (Jira, Confluence), structural analysis, and demonstrated leadership competencies are valued.
Rocket Lab operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation and ambition are encouraged. The company values out-thinking, out-working, and out-pacing competitors, with a culture of teamwork, grit, and commitment to achieving ambitious goals under pressure.
