Director, Space Vehicle Design

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world.

Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future.

Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab : from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

DIRECTOR, SPACE VEHICLE DESIGN

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Space Vehicle Design is a hands-on leadership role that reports to the Space Systems Chief Engineer.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers; and you will need to guide and mentor them while working alongside them on spacecraft development programs.

You will also need to communicate your technical strategy and work cross-functionally on projects with almost every other engineering team.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong mechanical, structural, and thermal engineering background who has previously led spacecraft development programs.

They will have expertise in designing, analyzing, building, and testing spacecraft structures and mechanisms. They will have successfully led engineering teams through challenging projects and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO :

• Work directly with the Space Systems Chief Engineer in technical decision-making processes and guide technical development across the Space Vehicle Design team.
• Perform functional management duties with team leads, including 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and supporting their career development.
• Provide technical mentorship to team members and monitor technical integrity of all team members' contributions.
• Work with cross-discipline teams (i.e. Supply Chain, Assembly Integration & Test, Production, Quality) to ensure smooth interfaces and handoffs within the greater Space Systems organization.
• Work closely with engineers, test engineers, and production to iterate through design concepts, with a focus on design-for-manufacture and design-for-integration.
• Develop and maintain design and analysis standards, documentation templates, test specifications, and other processes for the SVD team.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other technical discipline.
• 12+ years of engineering experience.
• Spacecraft / satellite design experience.
• 3+ years of experience as a team lead or manager.
• Expertise in Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Expertise in CAD, drafting, and GD&T.
• Multiple successes in bringing spacecraft hardware from concept through launch.
• Direct experience bringing spacecraft assemblies through environmental testing.
• Demonstrable methodological approach to spacecraft design and development programs.
• Experience in design and development spacecraft assemblies, space mechanisms and deployables, spacecraft avionics, and / or propulsion systems.
• Experience in spacecraft structural dynamics in one or more of the following areas : environments and loads, random vibration, sine vibration, acoustic, and modal testing and / or analysis.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

• Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other technical discipline.
• Comfortable executing on aggressive deadlines within a high-pressure environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Previous experience leading a large and multi-disciplinary team (20+ engineers).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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