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.

bout 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. Our team designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, enabling innovative missions for commercial, civil, defense, and academic customers. We’re redefining what’s possible in space, and we want you to be part of it.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer II – Avionics, you will play a key role in facilitating and optimizing production and launch vehicle system tests in a high-growth production environment. You will ensure manufacturing principles are practiced to meet stringent launch timelines, working closely with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across multiple departments. Your responsibilities will include troubleshooting and root-causing production stoppages, developing and optimizing production processes, and implementing new processes through prototyping, testing, and integration. You will autonomously lead root cause analysis investigations, create and approve technical documentation, and drive action towards achieving departmental KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Production

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; mitigate risk within current processes
Design faultless processes and create RFQs for equipment/tooling requirements
Implement process automation where possible
Provide hands-on technical support for production and test operations
Train production staff on current and future manufacturing processes

Project Management

Deliver right-first-time project implementation
Establish timelines and execute actions for long-term projects
Coordinate resources and communicate major milestones and risks
Support continuous improvement projects

Technical Documentation

Create, review, and approve technical documentation for production
Set and support standards for technical documentation

Problem Solving

Lead root cause analysis of complex problems using a PPS process
Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with key stakeholders
Communicate major milestones and lessons learned

Systems & Tools

Become an SME for PLM and ERP systems (Team Center, LN – Infor, internal floor management system [Flame])
Provide DFM approval and feedback

Health & Safety

Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed
Wear correct PPE in designated areas
Report near-misses and incidents promptly

Other

Domestic and international travel may be required
Additional duties as reasonably required
Adhere to company policies and procedures

Essential Skills

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, growing environment
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Experience with implementation of major CapEx project delivery

Desirable Skills

Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
Knowledge of production quality metrics
Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
IQ/PQ process-driven project completion
PPS problem solving
Programming experience with industrial PLCs

What We Offer

The opportunity to work on innovative projects at the forefront of the space industry
A collaborative, high-performance team environment
Career development and growth opportunities
Competitive salary and benefits

Important Information

Applicants may be required to undergo background checks and security clearances.
Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

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 - Avionics

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About the role