Manager - Avionics Production

Manager - Avionics Production

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 to 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.

About The Role

Rocket Lab's Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world's most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others' back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

The Avionics Production Manager has overall ownership for their department. They work closely with the production senior leadership and engineering leaders within the company to ensure production output from their teams meets required output rate and quality standards.

Managing the three primary teams of Components, Harnesses and HV Batteries, they are responsible for all aspects of these departments, including budget management, recruitment, capacity planning, and production output (quality and schedule). Performance in this position will be measured by the ability to maintain high-performance production teams that efficiently produce high quality aerospace components at the rate required to meet Rocket Lab's constantly growing customer demand, while also supporting the R&D needs of the business without compromising on production schedules.

What You'll Get To Do

• Experience leading, managing and growing a diverse team on fast-paced projects
• Experienced with creating and managing work cell standard work and track deviation from that standard work
• Demonstrated experience leading teams through change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes, and improve competencies
• Experience managing capital improvement projects

You'll Bring The Below Experience

• BE, BA or BS degree or equivalent trade experience with emphasis in Operation Management or Manufacturing Engineering and progressive responsibility increases
• 15+ years' experience in manufacturing experience in aerospace or a closely related industry, such as launch vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, automotive, excavation, mining, energy, or shipbuilding
• Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team, internal customers and suppliers that includes a strong focus on teamwork and internal/external customer satisfaction
• Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally within a geographically disperse organization
• An attitude of world-class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication

These Skills Would Be Nice To Have

• Strong knowledge and applied experiences in Lean Manufacturing
• Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment and knowledge of materials management theories, processes and practices
• Strong knowledge of conventional and emerging manufacturing and assembly processes

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.