Manufacturing Engineer II - Vehicle Integration

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a leading full-spectrum space company providing launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite payloads, and components, dedicated to broadening space access. Its Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched American rocket annually, delivering over 230 satellites to orbit. Rocket Lab is also developing the Neutron reusable medium-lift rocket, expanding constellation launch capability. The company's Space Systems division creates satellites and components key to missions by NASA and others.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer II - Vehicle Integration supports manufacturing teams to meet production goals with superior quality. This role manages production-ready products, addresses manufacturing issues, resolves non-conformances, and utilises root cause analysis to drive corrective steps. The engineer will also enhance manufacturing processes, ensuring reliability and efficiency in production techniques.

Key Duties

• Analyze and resolve discrepancies and non-conformance issues in manufacturing.
• Apply engineering judgment and risk assessments to approve flight hardware non-conformance dispositions.
• Lead containment and root cause investigations for manufacturing problems.
• Collaborate across production, quality, supply chain, and design teams to implement quality enhancements.
• Manage assigned production-ready products as a subject matter expert.
• Create and update product documentation and lessons learned.
• Drive product improvements involving design and qualification processes.
• Develop and maintain repeatable manufacturing procedures and tooling solutions.
• Design and apply test methods for critical hardware and systems.
• Provide engineering support to daily production and quality activities.
• Train production staff on new and current procedures.
• Contribute to design reviews with expertise in design for manufacturing and testing.
• Manage the introduction of new products and revisions into production.
• Plan and implement equipment and facility upgrades to meet production needs including business case development.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma continuous improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain processes for planning, production, quality control, ERP, and data analysis.
• Effectively manage tasks including risk assessment, communication, project planning, and execution without supervision.
• Promote cross-functional teamwork, support colleagues, and deliver professional conduct abiding by company policies and safety regulations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Mechatronics Engineering or related disciplines.
• Minimum of three years experience in manufacturing, production, or process engineering roles.
• Practical experience troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems.
• Strong communication skills with a proactive approach to meet key performance indicators independently or collaboratively.
• Adaptability to a dynamic, fast-moving operational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with ERP and PLM software such as Siemens TeamCenter, Infor LN.
• Understanding of production quality metrics and environmental/acceptance testing methods (vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum).
• Knowledge of instrumentation and sensor technology including power supplies, oscilloscopes, and various sensor types.
• Experience applying risk and quality analysis techniques like DFMEA, PFMEA, Fault Tree, Pareto, root cause and corrective actions.
• Competence in capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, and value stream mapping.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC) skills to monitor process performance and capability.

Additional Details

• Role may require domestic and international travel.
• Additional duties within reason as assigned.
• Compliance with company policies and procedures is mandatory.

Diversity & Inclusion

Rocket Lab promotes an inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds. Candidates with varied experience are encouraged to apply.

Employment Eligibility & Compliance

Applicants must meet security and nationality requirements governed by U.S. export control laws, including ITAR. For this New Zealand position, eligibility includes citizenship from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU nations, NATO countries, or qualified status under relevant regulations.