Team Lead - Unpressurised Composite Structures

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. While other companies talk about it, we do it! 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 UNPRESSURIZED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES Neutron’s Mechanical workstream delivers across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural (i.e. Propellant tanks, interstage, fairings) , mechanical (i.e. stage separation, landing, aerodynamic control) , fluid (i.e. pressurant, propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal (i.e. thermal protection) systems. As a Mechanical Lead you will manage a talented group of mechanical development engineers, and be responsible for the delivery of key mechanical systems for the vehicle: owning your designs from concept to completion & launch. 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. 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 prioritized 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 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 the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues Experience working on one or more of the areas below to solve industry related problems applicable to mechanical systems: Composite materials Moving Mechanical Assemblies Pressure Vessels Aerodynamic Control systems Fluid Systems Thermal Protection systems THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA, or similar <li data-leveltext="" da