Composites Manufacturing Engineer I/II

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heightsSPACE SYSTEMSRocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I/IIBased at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Composites Manufacturing Engineers facilitate and optimize production of solar products and sub-systems for a high-growth, high-consequence production environment, ensuring best-practice manufacturing principles are employed to meet stringent deadlines. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space(Please note: this position can be hired at the Composites Manufacturing Engineer I or Composites Manufacturing Engineer II level) WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:Work on ground-breaking products and processes. Introduce innovate manufacturing equipment and processes to the Production floor. Touch a satellite going to spaceTake ownership of Spacecraft composite production linesSupporting build of Spacecraft composite structures in a hands-on capacityPracticing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniquesManaging project timelinesUnderstanding technical and program risksLeading non-conformance and root cause analysis investigationsCreating technical documentationAdvising on design improvements for components, subsystems, procedures, equipment and toolingWork within a rapidly growing Space Systems teamWork with highly motivated, enthusiastic professionals in a fun and supportive environment. Opportunity for growthIf you bring experience within a regulated manufacturing industry, this would be advantageous.YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering or other Engineering degreeHands-on experience within a Composites manufacturing environmentKnowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, testing techniques, and design techniques, including prepreg layup, machining, and structural assembly bonding.Proven ability to deliver KPI's (with little to no supervision) on schedule, as an individual or as a member of an integrated teamYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering or other Engineering degree2+ years of hands-on experience within a Composites manufacturing environmentKnowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, testing techniques, and design techniques, including prepreg layup, machining, and structural assembly bonding.Proven ability to deliver KPI's (with little to no supervision) on schedule, as an individual or as a member of an integrated teamTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processesExcellent communication skills, both written and verbalProven risk assessment and risk-based decision-making skillsWorking experience with destructive and non-destructive testing of composite materials and subassemblies. Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal and vacuum Knowledge of composite related material properties including resin systems, structural bonding adhesives, and sandwich structures. Experience with composite structure repair techniques and processes Experience in manufacturing and assembly of composite structures into larger assemblies. Knowledge of production quality metrics Experience with ERP/PLM Systems - Siemens Team Center/Infor LNExperience in configuration control and configuration management in production systems Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective actions Proven ability to deliver new product implementation activities on time and to budget Familiar with engineering change processes and implementation in production environmentsUnderstanding of process qualification theoryADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.Must be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.WHAT TO EXPECT We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important information:FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at

dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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