Lead, Structures Engineer jobs in United States
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Rocket Lab · 5 hours ago

Lead, Structures Engineer

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Lead Structures Engineer will oversee the development and production of major structural assemblies for the Neutron Launch Vehicle, managing a team of engineers and ensuring quality and safety in manufacturing processes.

AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
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Responsibilities

Manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers responsible for the production of major Neutron primary structures at our Space Structures Complex in Maryland
Coordinate a team focused on:
Safe production methods for all primary structures
Ensuring quality product
Robust process design including major structural assembly, bonding, alignment, lamination, and any other process used in primary structure production
Consultation with design engineers on design for manufacturability, and design for effective efficient production
Translation between Design (Teamcenter) to manufacturing (MBOMs, methods of manufacture, work instructions, etc)
Lead structured root-cause, containment/corrective action programs as necessary
Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
Coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and other major stakeholders to:
Manage facility-wide constraints
Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks
Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production
Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc
In addition, the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:
Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
Ensure robust planning, including project schedules
Performance management for engineers on the team
Recruiting where needed for additional engineers

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringLeadershipLean Manufacturing3D CAD SoftwareComposite MaterialsLarge Structural AssembliesChange ManagementTeam CoordinationConflict Resolution

Required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree
5 + years of manufacturing experience
Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, knowing when to escalate / request help, effectively manage a team

Preferred

Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean manufacturing and value stream mapping
Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design
Experience with Composite Materials
Experience with large structural assemblies
Track record of working with large and diverse workforce

Benefits

Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
Dental and vision coverage
3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
11 paid holidays per year
Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
Paid parental leave
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Discounted employee stock purchase program
Free snacks/drinks onsite

Company

Rocket Lab

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Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.

Funding

Current Stage
Public Company
Total Funding
$1.98B
Key Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M

Leadership Team

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Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
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Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
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Company data provided by crunchbase