Tool Design Engineer II/Senior

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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

TOOL DESIGN ENGINEER II/SENIOR

We are currently seeking a Tool Design Engineer based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex. They will be responsible for design, specification, analysis, procurement, and operation of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and production tooling used across multiple programs and sites.

Please note - this position can be hired as a level II or Senior level

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Design, analyze, procure, and implement tooling and GSE (ground support equipment) ranging in complexity from basic handling fixtures to vehicle level test fixtures.

• Own manufacturing, schedule, and sourcing of critical production tools

• Interact with Numeric Control (N/C) programmers, welders, machinists, shop personnel, outside suppliers and engineers to ensure flawless and timely execution projects

• Source, retain, and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective

• Collaborate with vehicle manufacturing engineers and designers on better design for manufacturing

• Develop the standards, fabrication methods, and sourcing strategies used by the tooling organization

• Design and lead the fabrication and sourcing of tooling aids, supporting equipment, and specialized hardware to enable rocket production

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A TOOL DESIGN ENGINEER II: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline

• 2+ years of tooling design and analysis

• Technical project management or manufacturing design experience

• Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles

• Experience with mechanical design of large structures used for critical operations, including crane lift operations, transport operations, vertical and horizontal structural alignment and advanced tooling for productionizing.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR TOOL DESIGN ENGINEER: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline

• 5+ years of tooling design and analysis

• Technical project management or manufacturing design experience

• Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles

• Experience with mechanical design of large structures used for critical operations, including crane lift operations, transport operations, vertical and horizontal structural alignment and advanced tooling for productionizing.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Tooling manufacturing experience within the aerospace, automotive, or other large format fabrication industries

• FEA Analysis and hand calculations of structural, mechanical, or fluid components

• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principals

• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T

• Knowledge of heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics

• Project management experience in a fast-paced prototype fabrication shop environment

• Knowledge of manufacturing methods for large precision structures and equipment

• Detailed knowledge of quality standards for typical fabrication and production products

• Experience integrating hydraulic and pneumatic controlled systems

• Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages

• Proficient with all types of hand tools and basic fabrication equipment

• Understanding of structural analysis and solid mechanics as it relates to fabrication

• Experience with power mechanisms (hydraulics, screws, hoists etc)

• Flexibility to travel to alternative Rocket Lab production sites and vendors, up to 15%

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 buildings

• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)
$100,000—$160,000 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 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.