Space Systems Production Supervisor

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

MANUFACTURING

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

SPACE SYSTEMS PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Headquarters in Long Beach, California the Space Systems Production Supervisor is responsible for production execution and continuous development of the space system AIT and the avionics testing teams. This position will also ensure that the production schedule and resources, including building a high-performance team, meet the needs of increasing launch and space mission frequencies.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Leadership

• Lead production technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities
• Develop and enforce systems, policies, procedures, work instructions and project deadlines
• Carry out and document regular 1-1’s (min. monthly) and annual performance review -provide feedback and manage performance and expectations
• Track output of the team against delivery objectives as well as manage capacity planning and schedule of the team

Space Systems AIT Production

• Work with planning and monitor the AIT production planning ensuring activities meet the demand of the program manages.
• Be the primary leader for the overall activities within the AIT cleanroom, working with engineering to ensure the area is run effectively.
• Attend program dailies to make decisions on resource prioritization and steer the organization to unblock production.
• Manage work orders on shop floor and alignment vs. system
• Drive and encourage improvement projects and work instruction feedback that either decrease touch-time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk
• Meet all program schedule demands utilizing all resources efficiently and growing the department to the needs of the company goals.

Testing Production

• Manage the testing equipment ensuring the correct priorities are being met
• Manage the testing technician labor to meet the correct priorities.
• Work with facilities and engineering to ensure all equipment is maintained and in calibration.
• Meet all program schedule demands utilizing all resources efficiently and growing the department to the needs of the company goals.

New Product Introduction

• Introduction of new products into the manufacturing process by supporting with training and planning
• Supervise efforts to introduce new product from engineering development to full rate production by collaborating with engineering
• Seek out and develop new R&D support capability in harnessing and PCBA fast prototyping

Systems

• Become proficient in ERP -LN- Production Order Module & Inventory transaction module.
• MES and Issue management system – ensure technicians are trained and are accurately utilizing the system

Quality

• Accountable for the quality and conformance to specifications, of the work from your area
• Develops strategies to reduce product defects
• Collaborate with quality team and support product containments and root cause corrective action investigation
• Actively lead containment activities

Equipment Maintenance

• Support to perform and/or coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance on production assets, tooling, and test equipment
• Lead 5s system for production area
• Drive basic preventive maintenance level (cleanliness, performance indicators)

Recruitment & Training

• Manage personnel training and development including onboarding, coaching, training plans and training matrices
• Continual development of technicians to ensure minimum 2-fold coverage – > no single points of failure
• Collaborate with recruitment team to complete the organizational structure of the area

Health & Safety

• Accountable for the team’s training and conformance to health and safety policies and procedures
• Ensure correct PPE is worn in designated areas
• Ensure near misses and incidents are reported promptly

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of electronic manufacturing experience – OR- high school diploma and 6+ years of electronic manufacturing experience
• 1+ years of team leadership experience in a production environment
• Experience in spacecraft integration and avionics environmental testing

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience preferred in fast-paced production environment with flight quality hardware
• Ability to read, understand and follow manufacturing instructions and drawings
• Knowledge of safety processes and experience with handling hazardous goods and materials
• Proven ability to aligning capacity to production forecast
• Proven ability to manage resources to meet expected production rate increases
• Experience with applying lean manufacturing principles and efficiency methods
• Proficient with computers, with the ability to use MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP/MES) and related programs

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$70,000—$105,000 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

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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 Biow at

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