Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Avionics (Night Shift, 4-Day Week)

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise offering responsive launch solutions, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The company’s rockets and satellites support critical space missions worldwide, including scientific research, environmental monitoring, national defense, and pioneering technology projects. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, successfully deploying over 230 satellites. Additionally, Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger satellite constellations. The Space Systems division is responsible for designing satellites and components that contribute to NASA’s Moon and Mars missions and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Overview

This Senior Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on avionics and operates during a night shift with a four-day workweek. The position involves hands-on engagement with the Electron rocket and Neutron development, emphasizing the transition from research and development to streamlined production. The engineer will ensure vehicle systems meet stringent reliability and performance criteria while navigating a dynamic, high-test production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage critical manufacturing projects by optimizing production and testing workflows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across avionics, electrical, mechanical, and software systems, providing cross-disciplinary solutions.
• Support the transition of Neutron hardware from prototype to production through thorough testing coordination and operational compliance.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to investigate and rectify non-conformances involving design, production, and engineering units.
• Partner closely with production personnel, engineers, and designers from various fields to ensure system integration and quality.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with technicians and subject matter experts to facilitate efficient testing operations.
• Coordinate between mechanical and avionics engineers to address compatibility issues and ensure seamless system integration.
• Create and implement processes that improve testing efficiency and manage overflow tasks effectively.
• Engage actively in daily production and testing activities to guarantee high hardware reliability for launch readiness.

Work Schedule

• Four-day workweek: Monday to Thursday
• Shift timing: 3:00 PM to 1:30 AM
• Benefits include long weekends every week due to the condensed schedule

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering or related disciplines.
• Minimum of seven years’ professional experience in manufacturing, production, or process engineering.
• Strong practical skills in diagnosing and debugging complex systems within manufacturing settings.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills with proficiency in preparing clear, impactful key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Adaptability and a proactive attitude to thrive in a fast-moving work environment.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter and Infor LN software.
• Understanding of production quality metrics and standards.
• Experience managing the transition from prototype development to full-scale production.
• Expertise in enforcing manufacturing changes in a compliance-driven context.
• Knowledge of PPS (Production Problem Solving) methodologies.

Equal Opportunity and Legal Compliance

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities irrespective of race, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any protected characteristics. Employment decisions encompass all aspects including hiring, promotion, compensation, and training. U.S. candidates must meet eligibility requirements related to ITAR regulations for space technology export controls. New Zealand candidates will undergo security and nationality checks in compliance with U.S. export regulations, requiring specific citizenship or eligible status.

Additional Information

• Candidates working in the United States must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or have the necessary authorizations per ITAR regulations.
• Applicants in New Zealand must possess citizenship from designated countries or regions approved under ITAR regulations.
• Security background checks will be completed prior to job offers to confirm eligibility for access to regulated technology and data.