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Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Neutron team is developing a new large rocket and its associated launch and test sites. This role leads the mechanical workstream's unpressurized composite structures domain, which spans propellant tanks, interstage, fairings, and related mechanical systems.
As Team Lead for Unpressurized Composite Structures, you will manage a talented group of mechanical development engineers and own the delivery of key mechanical systems from concept through launch. You will lead the overall delivery of Neutron mechanical system(s) across their full lifecycle: conceptual and critical design, development test, qualification, integration, and operational support.
Key responsibilities include:
- Manage, mentor, and support direct reports to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles
- Ensure successful delivery of key engineering projects through effective project management, including setup, monitoring, and control of schedule, budget, resource, and technical risk
- Actively collaborate between departments (supply chain, quality, production) and teams (Fluids, Avionics, Propulsion) to ensure program activities are appropriately prioritized
- Coordinate activities between design, test, and analysis engineers to develop and mature concepts, and with manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials and define pragmatic build processes
- Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace
This position is ideal for an experienced engineer keen to lead projects from conceptual design through to integration and launch. You will thrive in ambiguity and work in a small, high-performing team focused on continued learning and growth.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field
- 5+ years' experience within a high-performance industry environment (Aerospace, aviation, automotive, marine, or equivalent)
- Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation
- Ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment
- Proven communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues
- Experience working on one or more of the following areas to solve industry-related problems applicable to mechanical systems: composite structures, structural analysis, materials science, manufacturing processes, or related disciplines
IMPORTANT: For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers. You must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). You may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.
