Senior Manager, Composites Production

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.SENIOR MANAGER, COMPOSITES PRODUCTIONBased at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Senior Manager, Composites Production will oversee the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of composite materials and structures used in aerospace applications, particularly in the production of solar panels and related components. You would play a crucial role in ensuring that the company's products maintain their high standards of performance and reliability, essential for their application in demanding aerospace environments. You'll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of engineers, technicians, and other professionals involved in composite materials and processes.Oversee the design and development of new composite materials and components.Ensure that the composite materials meet the stringent performance, durability, and weight requirements of aerospace applications.Select appropriate composite materials such as carbon fiber, aramid, and other advanced polymers.Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, including lay-up, curing, machining, and assembly.Establish and maintain quality control procedures to ensure that products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.Implement testing protocols and failure analysis to ensure the reliability and durability of composite materials.Drive research and development initiatives to innovate and improve composite technologies.Stay updated with the latest advancements in composite materials and manufacturing processes.Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure that deliverables are met on time and within budget.Coordinate with other departments such as procurement, logistics, and production to ensure smooth project execution.Interact with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders to understand requirements and provide technical expertise.Present technical information and progress reports to internal and external stakeholders.Ensure that all manufacturing processes and materials comply with safety and environmental regulations.Promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility within the team.YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or chemical engineering, or other technical field.10+ years of leadership experience in composites manufacturing.THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Master's in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, chemical engineering, or related field.Leadership experience in aerospace preferred but not required.Experience with design, development, testing and manufacturing of composite materials and structures used in aerospace applications.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language.Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Knowledge of modern manufacturing methods.Experience with composite materials preferred.Knowledge of manufacturing and layup of graphite composites preferred.Leadership skills including team building, providing direction, managing conflict, and motivating teams to resolve technical issues.Demonstrated ability to be customer-service oriented.Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other departments within the organization.ADDITIONAL 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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