Scott Vance
About Scott Vance
Scott Vance is an experienced Assembly Technician at Rocket Lab USA, specializing in the assembly of the Rutherford engine. He has over 30 years of experience in heavy-duty equipment repair, aviation maintenance, and aerospace, and has worked with several prominent aerospace companies.
Work at Rocket Lab USA
Scott Vance has been employed as an Assembly Technician at Rocket Lab USA since 2017. In this role, he is responsible for the assembly of the Rutherford engine, which includes turbopumps and valve assemblies. He collaborates closely with design and manufacturing engineers to develop and streamline manufacturing processes. Vance also provides feedback aimed at improving production and design, while maintaining production quality standards and meeting schedules.
Education and Expertise
Scott Vance studied at Crimson Technical College in Inglewood, CA, where he focused on Aviation Maintenance Technician training and obtained his Airframe and Powerplant License. He also attended Shasta College in Redding, CA, studying Agricultural Business Management and Heavy Duty Equipment Repair. Additionally, he completed a program at the Southern California Institute of Technology in Anaheim, CA, specializing in Computerized Business Information Systems and Management Skills. Vance has postsecondary and vocational education teaching experience.
Background in Aviation and Aerospace
Scott Vance has over 30 years of combined experience in heavy-duty equipment repair, aviation maintenance, and aerospace. He has worked as an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic at American Eagle Airlines and in general aviation maintenance. Vance has also served as a Propulsion Technician on the Draco Thruster at SpaceX, where he gained significant experience in aerospace technologies.
Professional Experience at Other Companies
In addition to his role at Rocket Lab USA, Scott Vance has worked at SpaceX as a Quality Inspector since 2011, accumulating 13 years of experience in this position. He also holds the position of Engines Valve Integration Engineer at Blue Origin since 2019. Vance has a decade of experience providing technical and customer service support for a major automotive manufacturer, further enhancing his diverse skill set.
Aviation Qualifications
Scott Vance is a private pilot and is knowledgeable about current Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). His aviation qualifications complement his extensive background in aviation maintenance and aerospace, contributing to his effectiveness in roles within the industry.