Team Lead - Electron Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket 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 rocket has 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.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We’re looking for a dynamic Team Lead – Electron Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering to join our Manufacturing Engineering Department at the Auckland Production Complex. Be the driving force behind a team of talented engineers, fostering collaboration across departments like Software, R&D, Engineering, Test, Supply Chain, and Quality. Lead high-value projects that improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance product reliability. Step into a role that offers strategic planning, cross-functional influence, and the opportunity to act as a deputy manager. Solve complex manufacturing discrepancies, lead root cause investigations, and implement engineering changes that shape the future of production.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Provide day-to-day leadership, motivate your team, and drive accountability to deliver results.

• Spearhead multiple cost-saving initiatives that align with company goals and deliver measurable ROI.

• Implement lean project management approaches and ensure on-time delivery of high-value projects.

• Be the go-to expert for process failure investigations, using tools like 8D and 5Y’s to resolve issues quickly and effectively.

• Approve engineering changes, contribute to design reviews, and ensure compliance with internal and external standards.

• Align team priorities with business goals, adjust plans as needed, and drive the biggest wins for cost, quality, reliability, and delivery.

• Mentor and coach team members, fostering technical expertise and professional growth.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Essential:

• Engineering/Computer Science Degree

• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience

• Hands-on technical expertise in debugging complex systems within a manufacturing environment

• Proven leadership skills with a track record of delivering results

• A flexible, can-do attitude to thrive in a growing and evolving environment

Preferred:

• Experience with Siemens TeamCenter / InforLN

• Knowledge of production quality metrics

• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production

• Compliance-driven manufacturing change implementation

• PPS problem-solving expertise

As the Team Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving innovation, improving processes, and delivering excellence. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals in a collaborative environment where your ideas and leadership will make a tangible impact.

If you’re a strong leader with technical expertise, a passion for problem-solving, and a drive to deliver results, this is the opportunity for you.

Apply now!

Closing date for submission for internal candidates, COB Tuesday, 24 March 2026

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 [email protected] 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.