Leading Hand – Space Systems Mechanical Assembly

 

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