Lead Welder

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.

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. 

Lead Welder

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Lead Welder to oversee the end-to-end operations of our Tube Shop manufacturing cell. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in tube cutting, bending, flaring, TIG welding, OTW welding, borescoping, and a strong awareness of FOD (Foreign Object Debris) control. This leadership role requires managing daily operations, driving safety and quality initiatives, and ensuring timely delivery of assemblies to our customers.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations within the Tube Shop manufacturing cell.
• Conduct daily safety meetings to promote a safe working environment.
• Set weekly goals and expectations for the team to achieve production and quality targets.
• Assign work orders (WOs) to technicians and clearly communicate daily expectations.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication regarding the status of assemblies and expected delivery dates to internal teams and customers.
• Open and manage new work orders, ensuring all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Identify and communicate non-conformities to engineering teams and initiate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as necessary.
• Maintain all machines and tooling within the department, order and replace new tooling as needed.
• Provide hands-on training across sub-cells to develop and maintain the skill sets required for end-to-end tube manufacturing.
• Lead and champion 5S initiatives within the cell to maintain an organized, efficient, and clean work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to FOD awareness and control procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to continuously improve processes and quality standards.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEAD WELDER:

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in tube manufacturing processes including tube cutting, bending, flaring, TIG welding, OTW welding, and borescoping
• Strong knowledge of FOD awareness and control
• Experience with opening and managing NCRs and working closely with engineering teams.
• Proficient in 5S methodology and continuous improvement practices

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Certification or formal training in welding or tube manufacturing processes.
• Experience with aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with manufacturing software and work order management systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple work orders and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and lead by example
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to clearly convey status updates and expectations
• Previous experience leading a manufacturing team or cell, with the ability to manage daily operations and lead safety meetings

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces 
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed 
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping 
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment 
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs. 
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery 
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$37—$46 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 here.

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 Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 ITAR Regulations.