Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling

Lead Engineer, GSE and Production Tooling

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.

We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Tooling, Test, and Infrastructure team based out of Rocket Lab's newest Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, GSE, and test for the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

What you’ll get to do:

Manage a team of Engineers responsible for tooling, GSE, and test for Neutron.

Coordinate a team focused on:

• Production tooling: how we massively scale the production of Neutron and create mechanical tools that allow us to increase assembly accuracy, reduce set‑up times, and minimize crane use.
• Ground Support Equipment: design of equipment that interfaces with the vehicle for test, transport, and integration.
• Test: engineering coordination of qualification tests and structural tests.

Coordinate with structures team, other Lead Engineers, facilities, operations, and other major stakeholders to:

• Manage facility‑wide constraints.
• Develop appropriate training plans to ensure technicians are qualified to perform the expected tasks.
• Major capital projects to introduce new production techniques as we scale production.
• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, and quality control.

In addition, the Lead Engineer will perform the following tasks in a leadership capacity:

• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians.
• Performance management for engineers on the team.
• Recruiting where needed for additional engineers.

You’ll bring these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 5+ years of engineering design experience.
• Experience in a leadership position.

Nice‑to‑have qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with large tooling and structures design.
• Working knowledge of Siemens NX/Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as metallic machining, welding, and fabrication.
• Experience with structural analysis including hand calculations and FEA.
• Ability to read and interpret P&ID’s and wiring diagrams.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, especially change management, conflict resolution, escalation, and effective team management.

Additional requirements:

• Specific vision abilities including 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.
• Ability or willingness to learn to use and operate powered machinery including fork trucks, scissor lifts, telehandlers, etc.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$115,000 — $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.

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 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.