Lead Composites Manufacturing Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Middle River, MD

On-site

Posted March 23, 2026

Job Description

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.

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! 

LEAD COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

We are currently seeking a Lead Engineer for our Composites Manufacturing 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 composite manufacturing processes for the Neutron Launch Vehicle. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

Coordinate a team focused on:

- Overseeing introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions as related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure
- Ensuring quality product
- Robust process design including bonding, alignment, lamination, and any other process used in primary structure production
- Consultation with design engineers on design for manufacturability, and design for effective efficient production.
- Translation between Design (Teamcenter) to manufacturing (MBOMs, methods of manufacture, work instructions, etc)
- Lead structured root-cause, containment/corrective action programs as necessary.
- Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
- 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
- Manage 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, quality control, etc.

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

- Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians
- Ensure robust planning, including project schedules
- Performance management for engineers on the team
- Recruiting where needed for

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