Senior Tool Design Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

ENGINEERING  

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more. 

SENIOR TOOL DESIGN ENGINEER I  

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Tool Design Engineer I is responsible for design, specification, analysis, procurement, and operation of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and production tooling used across all programs and sites. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Lead efforts to design, analyze, document, procure, and implement tooling (GSE) ranging in complexity from basic handling and production fixtures to engine or space vehicle level GSE fixtures.  
• Own manufacturing, schedule, and sourcing of critical production tools including the design and fabrication of tooling aids, support equipment and specialized hardware from concept through fabrication and delivery 
• Interact with Numeric Control (N/C) programmers, welders, machinists, shop personnel, outside suppliers and engineers to ensure flawless and timely execution of projects 
• Lead efforts with vehicle manufacturing engineers and designers on better design for manufacturing when relating to GSE functions 
• Drive product requirements, GD&T specifications and manufacturing process into robust, manufacturable, cost-effective tooling designs 
• Lead tooling design reviews, tooling readiness reviews and corrective action investigations 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline 
• 5+ years of tooling design and analysis 
• 5+ years of technical project management or manufacturing design experience  
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles 
• FEA Analysis and hand calculations of structural, mechanical or fluid components. 
• Expert knowledge in creating, reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T 
• Advanced proficiency of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Tooling manufacturing experience within the aerospace, automotive, or other large format fabrication industries 
• Knowledge of heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics 
• High level project management experience in a fast-paced prototype fabrication shop environment 
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing methods for large precision structures and equipment 
• Strong experience developing tooling for development programs from clean-sheet through production ramp up. 
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace design specifications (SSMAN 91-710, ASME BTH-1, etc.) 
• Advanced understanding of quality standards for typical fabrication and production products 
• Advanced experience integrating hydraulic and pneumatic controlled systems 
• Strong communication skills with both peer engineers and shop floor technicians 
• Proficient with all types of hand tools and basic fabrication equipment 
• Solid understanding of advanced structural analysis and solid mechanics as it relates to fabrication 
• Provide guidance and mentorship for developing engineers for design and analysis efforts 
• Flexibility to travel to alternative Rocket Lab production sites and vendors, up to 15%

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas  

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,  you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$115,475—$154,675 USD

Base Salary

$95,200—$119,000 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.   

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 [email protected]. 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.