Manufacturing Engineer II - Composites

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space company providing launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components aiming to broaden space accessibility. Their Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket, delivering over 230 satellites to orbit. The company is also developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle, and supports key NASA missions and cutting-edge space telescope components.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer II - Composites role plays a vital part in production activities related to launch vehicles in a fast-evolving environment. The engineer will uphold high manufacturing standards to meet strict rocket launch deadlines while collaborating with multiple departments. Key duties span reviewing non-conformance issues, developing and refining processes and tools, implementing process changes through prototyping, and leading continuous improvement and risk management initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support production operations for current and future rocket vehicles.
• Create and enhance production and testing workflows following standard manufacturing practices like Lean Six Sigma.
• Generate FMEAs and develop action plans to address risks.
• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) within the Vehicle Integration Production team.
• Design error-proof processes and prepare requests for equipment and tooling.
• Introduce automation solutions where feasible.
• Provide hands-on technical assistance during production and tests.
• Train production personnel on manufacturing processes.
• Lead projects to ensure timely and accurate execution, managing milestones and risks.
• Create and approve technical documentation supporting production activities.
• Conduct root cause analyses for complex issues and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving teams.
• Serve as SME for PLM and ERP tools including Team Center and Infor LN.
• Ensure strict adherence to health and safety measures, including PPE use and incident reporting.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Skills & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum four years of experience in manufacturing, production, process, or quality engineering roles.
• Practical experience troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems.
• Proven work with composite materials and manufacturing methods such as prepreg and wet layup.
• Strong risk assessment abilities with effective prioritization and decision-making.
• Demonstrated capacity to meet deadlines independently and collaboratively.
• Adaptable and proactive mindset suitable for dynamic settings.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Genuine enthusiasm for aerospace technology and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems like Siemens Team Center and Infor LN.
• Experience using CAD software, specifically Siemens NX.
• Prior involvement in development or production environments.
• Knowledge of production quality measures and product transition from prototype to full production.
• Experience designing and implementing composite tooling and moulding materials.
• Expertise in analyzing and resolving manufacturing defects and non-conformance.
• Leadership in root cause and corrective/preventive action processes.
• Competence in methodologies like DFMEA, PFMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, and continuous improvement techniques including Lean Six Sigma.
• Statistical process control knowledge and applying stats to monitor performance.
• Understanding of composite materials properties and repair methods.
• Background in assembling composite structures into larger assemblies.

Work Environment & Culture

This role is embedded in a high-performance, innovative aerospace team driven by dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. Employees are expected to uphold professional behavior, timeliness, ownership over responsibilities, and excellent communication within cross-functional teams.

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination or harassment on any protected characteristic. U.S. office candidates must comply with ITAR requirements. For positions in New Zealand, security background and nationality checks are performed to ensure eligibility under international regulations related to space technology exports.