Senior Composites Engineer I at Rocket Lab Corporation

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.SPACE SYSTEMSAt Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missionsSENIOR COMPOSITES ENGINEER IBased at Rocket Labs site in Albuquerque New Mexico Senior Composites 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!WHAT YOULL 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 space!Take 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.YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelors degree or equivalent in Mechanical Materials Manufacturing Industrial or Aerospace Engineering5 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 KPIs (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 vacuumKnowledge of composite related material properties including resin systems structural bonding adhesives and sandwich structures.Experience with composite structure repair techniques and processesExperience in manufacturing and assembly of composite structures into larger assemblies.Knowledge of production quality metricsExperience with ERP/PLM Systems - Siemens Team Center/Infor LNExperience in configuration control and configuration management in production systemsDemonstrated experience with DFMEA PFMEA methodologies Fault Tree Analysis Pareto analysis root cause and corrective actionsProven ability to deliver new product implementation activities on time and to budgetFamiliar 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 EXPECTWere on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 This 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 hereITAR Regulations.Required Experience:Senior IC Key Skills Anti Money Laundering,English Speaking,Data Entry,Food,Investigation,Adobe Indesign Employment Type : Full Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1