Tool Design Engineer II/Senior Tool Design Engineer

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

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/Senior Tool Design Engineer

We are currently seeking a Tool Design Engineer or Senior Tool Design Engineer based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA. They will be responsible for design, specification, analysis, procurement, and operation of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and tooling used across all programs and sites. They will support the Director of Manufacturing and Production and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Design, analyze, procure, and implement tooling (GSE) ranging in complexity from basic handling fixtures to engine or 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

(This position can be hired as a Tool Design Engineer or Senior Tool Design Engineer Level)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A TOOL DESIGN ENGINEER:

• 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
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principals

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING 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 principals

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 basic structural analysis and solid mechanics as it relates to fabrication

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

Tool Design Engineer: $90,000-$110,000

Senior Tool Design Engineer: $110,000-$135,000

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 

In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation offer package based on individual qualifications and experience, including company stock. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Pay Range (CA Only)

$90,000—$135,000 USD

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State.

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.

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.