Senior Weld 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.

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!  

SENIOR WELDENGINEER  

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced Senior Weld Engineer to be based at our Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA. This role will work under the direction of the Materials & Processes Department to lead the development, qualification, implementation, and continuous improvement of many welding processes used in the production of the Archimedes Engine for Neutron. This candidate shall be the main technical point of contact for all welding-related production issues and shall interface frequently with Manufacturing engineering teams to resolve these issues.  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Develop and implement procedures and process improvements for all welding activities used in the production of the Archimedes Engine. 
• Author welding process specifications and PQR’s for each welding process on the Archimedes Engine. 
• Define welding acceptance criteria in accordance with AWS D17.1 and other relevant NASA standards. 
• Improve welding processes by conducting root cause analyses on weld related nonconformances. 
• Provide expert guidance on weld repair rework, repair, and dispositioning.
• Support production operations on full scale welded assemblies, providing direction to manufacturing engineers and welders on correct techniques in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. 
• Work closely with design, tooling, and manufacturing engineers to improve welded designs for manufacturing. 
• Develop and execute welding qualification test campaigns and interpret mechanical testing and NDE results. 
• General support of M&P related projects. 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING:  

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Welding, Mechanical Engineering or a relevant STEM field. 
• 5+ years of experience in weld engineering working with TIG, Laser, MIG, or EBEAM for aerospace applications. 
• Hands-on fabrication, manufacturing, or testing experience of welded assemblies. 
• Working experience with Laser Welding, GTAW, GMAW, and Orbital GTAW welding processes with a variety of materials. 
• Working knowledge of carbon / stainless-steel / Nickel based metallurgy.  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Strong knowledge of metallurgy fundamentals, material specifications, and heat-treatment requirements. 
• CAD / modeling experienced with SOLIDWORKS, NX 
• Experience with X-ray quality structural welding, seal welding, and hard facing overlays. 
• Familiarity with Copper and Nickel based alloys 
• Tooling design experience for welded assemblies to reduce part distortion and improve part consistency 
• Understanding of weld strength testing methodologies, standards, and data acquisition systems used to make informed welding decisions (ASTM E8, E399, E740, ISO 15653, AWS D17.X, AWS C7.X, thermos-couples, strain gages, etc.) 
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions including, but not limited to, optical and SEM fractography/metallography, hardness, chemical analysis, and mechanical testing 
• In depth knowledge of AWS D17.1 and related industry welding codes/standards 

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)

$156,275—$171,675 USD

Base Salary

$108,800—$149,000 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.