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

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company offering launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, and payload solutions. Our goal is to make space more accessible by supporting key missions including scientific research, Earth observation, climate change mitigation, national security, and innovative technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most launched U.S. rocket annually, having orbited over 230 satellites, while our upcoming Neutron vehicle targets medium-lift reusable launch missions for larger satellite constellations. Our Space Systems division crafts payloads and satellites used in prominent NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as components for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Overview

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer specializing in avionics, you will engage closely with both Electron and Neutron rockets. Your role focuses on transitioning these aerospace vehicles from research development to reliable, test-validated production for launch readiness. This hands-on role demands thorough ownership of projects, critical problem-solving across multiple engineering domains, and innovation within a rigorous manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead essential projects to optimize manufacturing and testing workflows.
• Address challenges spanning avionics, electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines to produce integrated solutions.
• Support the progression of Neutron hardware from prototype to production, ensuring operational readiness through stringent testing.
• Investigate and solve non-conformance issues collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Maintain strong coordination with production, design, and engineering groups.
• Foster close collaboration with technicians and experts to enhance testing efficacy.
• Manage integration challenges by liaising between mechanical and avionics engineering teams.
• Create and refine methods that improve test operations and overflow management.
• Participate attentively in daily production and testing activities to guarantee hardware quality and reliability.

Work Schedule

• 4-day work week (Monday through Thursday) with late start shifts.
• Shift hours operate from 3:00 PM to 1:30 AM, offering extended weekends weekly.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering roles.
• Practical experience troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and team mentoring capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to draft clear and effective KPIs.
• Adaptability and proactive problem-solving mindset suited to a dynamic work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Siemens Team Center and Infor LN software.
• Understanding of production quality measurement metrics.
• Experience in moving products from prototypes into full production.
• Knowledge of manufacturing changes guided by compliance requirements.
• Expertise in PPS (Production Problem Solving).

Additional Details and Employment Policies

This position is based in Auckland, New Zealand and is onsite only. Rocket Lab is committed to fostering equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or any protected status. Due to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), candidates must meet certain nationality or authorization criteria to access controlled equipment and data. Background and nationality checks will be conducted to ensure compliance with these requirements. Eligible citizenship includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU member states, NATO countries, or eligible dual nationality. Candidates not meeting these criteria may be ineligible.

Applicants with disabilities who require accommodations for the recruitment or interview process are encouraged to communicate their needs. The company culture emphasizes hard work, innovation, and collaboration, with a focus on mission success and a supportive team environment.