Senior Operations Manager - Warkworth Composites Complex

BUILDING NEUTRON AT ROCKET LAB: 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. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: This is a role within the Neutron Senior Leadership team that will oversee operations at the WCC (Warkworth Composites Complex) facility, delivering the required production output whilst maintaining quality, schedule and cost control. You can expect to manage the WCC facility, the Neutron Composites team in New Zealand, and local suppliers (NZ and Australia). Performance in this position will be measured by the ability to successfully maintain a high performing team, delivering high-quality parts and assemblies for the Neutron program. WCC has an initial focus on first article development but has a longer-term focus on scaling production to support assemblies of the Neutron launch vehicle include stage 2 tanks, stage 1 fairings, and aerostructures across the entire launch vehicle. Key responsibilities of the role are:

• Oversee sitewide operations, production staff, administration and logistics, maintenance and upkeep of all WCC infrastructure and facilities to ensure continued production in a safe, effective environment
• Lead, mentor, and support the staff within the WCC department to be motivated, effective and efficient in their roles while provide opportunities for growth and development
• Ensure direct reports understand their role and responsibilities and receive timely feedback on their performance, both formal and informal
• Implementation of manufacturing and business processes to optimize operations
• Take ownership/responsibility for WCC facility output and quality

• Strong knowledge and applied experiences in both and R&D environment and lean manufacturing
• 8 + years' manufacturing experience in aerospace or a closely related industry, such as launch vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, automotive or boat-building
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams in fast paced environments
• Demonstrated experience leading teams through change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes and improve competencies
• Demonstrated experience in composites design and/or manufacturing
• Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with the 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 and diverse organisation

• Composite manufacturing in prepregs and Infusion
• CNC machining
• Composite curing autoclaves
• Composite curing ovens
• Composite material handling and cutting machinery
• General facility and civil construction
• Domestic and global logistics