Team Lead - Composite Structures

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 Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time. TEAM LEAD – COMPOSITE STRUCTURES Join Neutron’s Mechanical team and lead the charge in delivering cutting-edge systems across structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal domains for a next-generation launch vehicle. As a Mechanical Lead, you’ll manage a talented team of engineers and own the design, development, and delivery of critical systems from concept to launch. You’ll drive projects through all phases—design, testing, qualification, and integration—while collaborating across departments and solving complex technical challenges to keep progress moving at pace. This is your chance to lead groundbreaking engineering efforts, mentor a high-performing team, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration. If you thrive in ambiguity and are eager to take projects from vision to reality, this is the opportunity for you! WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Lead the overall delivery of Neutron mechanical system(s) across their lifecycle: including conceptual critical design, development test, qualification, integration, and operational support. Ensure successful delivery of key engineering projects through effective project management: including setup, monitoring, and control of schedule, budget, resource, technical risk. Actively collaborate between departments (i.e. supply chain, quality, production) teams (i.e. Fluids, Avionics, Propulsion) to ensure Program activities are appropriately prioritised. Manage, mentor, and support direct reports to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles. Coordinate activities between design, test and analysis engineers to develop mature concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes. Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace. Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer keen to lead projects from conceptual design through to integration and launch. YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field 5+ years’ experience within a high-performance industry environment (Aerospace, aviation, automotive, marine or equivalent) Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment Proven communication skills and t ... (truncated, view full listing at source)