Production Operations Manager

ABOUT 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. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

PRODUCTION OPERATIONS MANAGER

The role of the Production Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing production operations at the Space Structures Complex at Middle River, MD. The scope of production operations at this site includes full-scale carbon composite and metallic structures production, assembly, integration and test of the Neutron launch vehicle prior to shipment to the launch site.

Being an early stage and foundational role, this role will need to wear many hats and take a hands-on approach to seeing various projects through from early facility construction and setup, hiring of production staff through to setting up site administration and logistics. On completion of the initial facility setup, the focus for this role shifts towards production excellence in delivering to rate on schedule and budget.

This role will work very closely with other production and test sites, engineering development teams and corporate functions such as P&C, IT and Supply Chain. External to the company, this role will require to maintain relationship with key suppliers and therefore maintenance and growth of internal and external relationships is critical to success

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO TO DO:

• Delivery of launch vehicle structures & assemblies, supporting production tooling and equipment and new capabilities as needed
• Deliver production systems at the site as well as leveraging outsourced capability to deliver to production demand
• Build and maintain a team of production tech. staff to support build, assembly, integration and test of development and flight hardware to required production rate
• Develop project plans, budgets and schedules
• Ensure the successful delivery of key projects spanning multiple departments and disciplines, through direct project management and/or overseeing project leaders within the department
• Develop and maintain close relationships between various functions within the Neutron Organization as well as company-wide functions. Negotiate on matters of resource and priority
• Provide regular and timely project status updates to working groups, management meetings and/or in support of board reports as required
• Develop, maintain and report on schedules, budgets, work breakdown structures for a variety of cross-functional projects
• Develop and maintain close relationships with development teams to support rapid iteration in early development
• Acquire technical proficiency on the job, take a hands-on approach in R&D activities at the site and initiative to bridge gaps where technical knowledge is lacking
• Manage, mentor, and support staff to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles
• Identify and provide opportunities for professional development, including coaching for personal development objectives
• Ensure recruitment and resourcing needs are met to support the annual operating plan, including an active role in candidate search
• Ensure direct reports understand their role and responsibilities and receive timely feedback on their performance, both formal and informal
• Coach staff in issues of performance management for their direct reports, including support of formal HR processes.
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed in the department.
• Ensure own and others safety at all times

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

•  8+ years+ of experience in Engineering and Production leadership supporting high paced technical projects requiring high quality standards
• High level of expertise in Program Management, including schedule and cost control
• Experience in building large scale structures in a production environment
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline
• Excellent interpersonal skills to drive outcomes
• Proven capability with building (from the ground up) and running high performing teams
• Strong work ethic, and ability to leverage Rocket Lab’s existing global team and facilities

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's degree in a technical discipline
• Extensive experience in aerospace structures development and manufacturing

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 

Last updated on Dec 1, 2023