Propulsion Team Leader

4 days ago

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Rocket Lab USA Full time

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

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Electron Propulsion Development (EPD) team is one of three development teams in the Electron Engineering organisation responsible for the design and development of the Electron launch vehicle. The other two teams are Avionics Development and Vehicle Development, with each development team having their Manufacturing Engineering counterpart(s).

The Electron Propulsion Development team takes on all development activities (design, test, and analysis) associated with the Rutherford and Curie engines, under the overarching goals of increasing performance and reducing cost. The team consists of development engineers with a range of experience level and skill sets. Generally, each engineer is expected to be capable of owning a component or system through its development lifecycle to production implementation & support. This means that the skillset of the team spans systems engineering, design, analysis, build, and test, although each member may have their specialisations.

The team works hands-on, often alongside technicians, with development, qualification, and flight hardware. Team members interface regularly with stakeholders across the company, including GNC, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Flight Software, Analysis, and others.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Team Lead – Electron Propulsion Development holds technical responsibility for the Rutherford and Curie engines, whilst managing a team of development engineers striving to increase performance, reduce cost, and mitigate risk.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Developing and executing annual operating plans based on business and department objectives
  • Setting individual goals for team members and guiding them towards success
  • Training and mentoring the team based on individual needs and professional paths
  • Making escalated risk decisions within the propulsion scope
  • Developing engineering standards both within the immediate team and across the organisation
  • Upholding high company standards for best practice and quality of work
  • Reviewing and approving drawings, specifications, reports and dispositions across the team

KEY SKILLS

  • Strong understanding of best practices for project management, systems engineering, hardware development process and configuration management
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related
  • Previous experience in an informal or formal technical leadership role
  • Demonstrated ability to juggle numerous projects simultaneously whilst balancing cost, quality, and schedule to achieve best-for business solutions
  • Excellent grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals (e.g., stress, strain, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanisms)
  • Experience reviewing and approving technical content
  • Ability to work effectively and maintain professional behavior when facing challenges
  • Hands-on hardware testing experience

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Experience working in a highly regulated industry (e.g. aerospace, medical)
  • Proven track record of leading a team to deliver multiple complete and successful engineering projects from concept to operation
  • Jama or equivalent requirements management software
  • Programming in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB or equivalent
  • Siemens NX and Teamcenter proficiency
  • Experience supporting an existing product in production

If the above sounds like you, apply now

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.

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 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.

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