ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. We design, manufacture, and launch advanced rockets and spacecraft, enabling innovation for commercial, civil, defense, and academic customers worldwide.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer II – Space Systems, you will play a pivotal role in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles and spacecraft. You’ll collaborate with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across departments to ensure best-in-class manufacturing practices and the achievement of production targets.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing tooling, troubleshooting production issues, and driving root cause analysis and corrective actions. You’ll also support New Product Introduction (NPI) by developing and validating new processes, ensuring seamless integration into production. This role is key to driving continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining technical documentation to meet departmental KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, and document manufacturing processes and workflows.
Design and implement production tooling and fixtures.
Troubleshoot and resolve production stoppages and non-conformances.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Support NPI through process development, prototyping, and integration.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve production goals.
Create and maintain technical documentation to support manufacturing operations.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to meet or exceed KPIs.
Facilitate the production of current and future Rocket Lab vehicles.
Develop and optimize production and test operations using standard manufacturing best practices (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
Create FMEAs and action plans to mitigate risk within current processes.
Design robust, faultless processes and create RFQs for equipment/tooling requirements.
Implement process automation where possible.
Deliver right-first-time project implementation, communicating milestones and risks.
Support continuous improvement and lessons-learned activities.
Become an SME for PLM and ERP systems (Team Center, Infor LN, Flame).
Provide onsite production and test support, including DFM approval and feedback.
Train production staff on current and future manufacturing processes.
Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed at all times.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
3+ years’ experience as a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineer.
Hands-on technical experience debugging complex electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment.
Strong communicator with proven ability to deliver clear and concise KPIs.
Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Experience delivering major CapEx projects.

Desirable:

Experience with Siemens Team Center and/or Infor LN.
Knowledge of production quality metrics.
Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.

What We’re Looking For

Technical knowledge and ability to propose solutions to engineering challenges.
Experience with avionics and electrical systems, including current and voltage measurement.
Basic software development knowledge.
Ability to create, review, and approve technical documentation.
Project management skills, including timeline creation and execution.
Risk-based decision-making and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Applied business solutions to improve cost, quality, reliability, and delivery.
Self-starter with strong strategic planning and prioritization skills.
Positive, professional attitude and a collaborative, “How can I help?” mentality.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Flexibility to support other teams and projects as needed.
Commitment to health and safety standards.

Additional Information

Domestic and international travel may be required.
Additional duties as reasonably required.
Adherence to company policies and procedures is expected.

Rocket Lab is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.

Manufacturing Engineer II - Space Systems

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About the role