Manager I, R&D - Panel Program and Systems Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

R&D MANAGER I, PANEL PROGRAM AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

As a R&D Manager I based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will be leading a team of hard-working and mission-focused engineers in supporting program and systems engineering needs for CIC and solar array programs.. To be successful in this role, you must be a proactive leader with strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and excellence. You'll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO :

• Manage a team of technical experts who provide program technical leadership and act as the internal / external technical point-of-contact for CIC and solar array programs
• Interface broadly with the company organization including program management, engineering (test, integration, design, manufacturing, and analysis), quality assurance, business logistics, and production to ensure the program / systems engineering team is meeting the needs of the business and master schedule
• Interact with internal and external customers to discuss program requirements and ensure compliance
• Present group / program status and continuous improvement activities to next level and upper-level management
• Reviews all department work product for accuracy and appropriateness prior to release.
• Reviews all engineering releases and changes relative to manufacturing processes and product configurations ensuring changes are appropriate, needed, qualified and well vetted prior to their release.
• Manage safety improvement roadmaps based on audit findings and walkthroughs.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and proper PPE usage.
• Drive safety prevention into the team's culture and hold safety meetings and forums.
• Design and implement products and processes to prevent and reduce quality and reliability issues.
• Manage labor allocation, cost of quality, and cost reduction efforts.
• Ensure on-time delivery by aligning NRE activities with program schedules.
• Propose, schedule, and manage continuous improvements projects.
• Oversee product performance and ensure adequate staffing levels.
• Directly manage and develop engineering staff.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS :

Masters and 6+ years of engineering experience in a highly regulated production or manufacturing environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.