Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - TPA

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. ENGINEERING Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more. SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I - TURBOPUMP ASSEMBLY Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters for Long Beach, CA the Senior Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the development of new products and product revisions as related to both Rutherford and Archimedes engines. This role will have primary responsibility over the turbopump assembly for the Archimedes engine. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: • Mentor and coach people within the team on technical and professional development • Define and maintain standard of excellence for their team through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others’ work  • Contribute to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab related to areas of experience • Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc. • Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance • Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects • Collaborate with propulsion assembly technicians for general alignment, capability, and support • Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc. • Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning • Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs • Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations • Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING: • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or similar engineering discipline • 5+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment • Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals • Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: • Advanced engineering degree • Experience with design, testing and development of turbopumps or similar turbomachinery • Experience contributing to and steering design reviews and provide technical expertise in support of design for manufacture, test, and assembly • Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods • Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping • Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Total Compensation (base and equity) $164,000—$194,000 USD Base Salary $115,000—$158,000 USD 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 ho