About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about leading a team of technicians in the mechanical assembly of spacecraft and components. You'll be responsible for meeting quality standards and production schedules while ensuring a safe work environment. It's a hands-on leadership position that requires both technical knowledge and team management skills.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have experience in mechanical assembly and team leadership, likely with several years in manufacturing or aerospace. A collaborative working style and a focus on quality and efficiency will help you thrive here.

Worth noting

The role involves direct oversight of a small team, which may appeal to those looking to step into leadership. However, the spec is vague on specific technical requirements and daily tasks, which could be a concern for some applicants.

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

Are you ready to take the next step in your Rocket Lab career? This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of talented technicians, take ownership of critical production processes, and play a key role in delivering world-class spacecraft and components.

As a Leading Hand – Space Systems Mechanical Assembly, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the delivery of complete and high-quality spacecraft and components, meeting customer-driven milestones, and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. You’ll work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, and other teams to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing

Leadership

Lead a team of up to 10 technicians to assemble and test spacecraft, systems, and sub-system assemblies to meet engineering specifications.
Plan and lead daily activities to meet quality and schedule targets as set by the Supervisor.
Manage rosters, overtime, and leave requests to ensure sufficient technician coverage.
Assign workflow and delegate day-to-day tasks to assembly and test technicians.
Provide immediate constructive feedback on performance and workmanship.
Maximise productivity through leadership, support, and teamwork.
Conduct monthly 1:1 meetings with technicians to deliver feedback, set goals, and support career development.
Prepare annual performance reviews for all direct reports with the Supervisor.
Ensure health and safety procedures are followed, training is up to date, and the work centre is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.

Quality & Delivery

Take full ownership of the production process, from components to deck delivery, ensuring all aspects align with Rocket Lab’s requirements and standards.
Proactively vet production orders to ensure alignment between Flamewiki, ATS, and engineering documentation, resolving discrepancies before work begins.
Triple-check all aspects of production, sourcing accurate information from the right people and resources to prevent errors.
Troubleshoot issues using available resources such as drawings, ATS, and engineering expertise, driving redesigns or changes where necessary to improve processes and product reliability.
Maintain a level of quality above and beyond standard expectations, fostering a culture of accountability within the team.
Execute continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, quality issue resolution, and efficiency improvements.

Team Enablement

Act as a facilitator for the team, removing obstacles and addressing shortages, QC hold-ups, and order discrepancies to allow technicians to focus on building and testing quality

Skills & Tags

go aws ai data product design

Aplyr's read

Rocket Lab is a dynamic force in aerospace, attracting engineers and innovators passionate about revolutionizing small satellite launches with cost-effective solutions.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Rocket Lab offers significant impact opportunities in the small satellite market.
•The company is known for its cost-effective and reliable launch services.
•It provides a platform for engineers to innovate in aerospace technology.

What to watch

•The competitive aerospace industry poses constant innovation challenges.
•Reliance on small satellite market growth may limit diversification.
•High technical demands require specialized skills, potentially limiting applicant pool.

Why Rocket Lab

•Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is tailored for small payloads, differentiating it from larger competitors.
•The company has a proven track record with frequent successful launches.
•Its focus on cost efficiency sets it apart in the aerospace sector.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab

rocketlab.com

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Rocket Lab is a private aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. They focus on providing cost-effective and reliable access to space for small payloads, significantly impacting the growing small satellite market.