Chris Vair
About Chris Vair
Chris Vair serves as the Space Systems Sr. Program Manager at Rocket Lab in New Zealand, where he has worked since 2023. He has extensive experience in aerospace, having held various engineering and management roles at companies such as Boeing and General Atomics.
Work at Rocket Lab
Chris Vair currently serves as the Space Systems Sr. Program Manager at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2023. His role is based in New Zealand, where he works on-site. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing complex space systems programs, leveraging his extensive experience in the aerospace sector.
Education and Expertise
Chris Vair earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho, completing his studies from 1999 to 2004. He later pursued a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying from 2013 to 2015. His educational background provides a solid foundation for his expertise in mechanical design and value stream management.
Background in Aerospace Engineering
Chris Vair has a diverse background in aerospace engineering, with significant experience at Boeing. He held various roles, including Manager of Advanced Manufacturing for the 737 line, P-8 Poseidon Tooling Engineer Liaison, and Senior Engineer in Production Engineering/Tool Engineering. His tenure at Boeing spanned several years, contributing to multiple projects and initiatives within the company.
Previous Positions and Roles
Before joining Rocket Lab, Chris worked at General Atomics as a Program Manager and Senior Project Engineer & Leader. He also gained experience at Electroimpact as a Mechanical Engineer and Mechanical Tooling Design Engineer. His career includes a range of roles that have honed his skills in process improvement, safety compliance, and technical leadership.
Leadership and Team Management Skills
Chris Vair has a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams to achieve process improvement and technical leadership goals. He is known for his commitment to safety compliance and lean manufacturing, which are essential in managing complex space systems programs. His approach to team management includes using humor and empowerment to enhance collaboration and performance.