Manufacturing Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a space-focused company that provides launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components, with a mission to broaden access to space. Its rockets and satellites support major missions around the world, including science, Earth observation, climate-related work, national security, and technology demonstrations.

The Electron launch vehicle has become the second most launched U.S. rocket in a year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. In parallel, the company is building Neutron, a reusable medium-lift vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division develops satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Manufacturing Team

The manufacturing function brings engineering concepts into reality across Rocket Lab’s global production sites. Team members use advanced equipment and modern manufacturing methods, including 3D printing, to build satellites, satellite hardware, and rockets while helping deliver programs on time and within budget.

Role Summary

Working from Rocket Lab’s Production Complex in Auckland, New Zealand, this Manufacturing Engineer II - Propulsion role focuses on improving processes and updating products connected to the Rutherford rocket engine. The position supports the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and the wider production organization, with output that may be used for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

Key Duties

• Create and maintain clear production documentation, including test methods, safety requirements, and required supervisor approvals.
• Work closely with the quality team to address manufacturing quality issues and, when needed, direct containment actions and structured root-cause and corrective-action investigations.
• Develop, build, and introduce tooling and equipment for production use where it can improve quality, delivery, or cost.
• Drive ongoing improvement in your area using lean practices such as 5S.
• Bring automation into the process where suitable and make sure equipment data connects properly with MRP and quality systems.
• Take part in design reviews as a subject matter expert in manufacturability, testability, productivity, supplier capability, and quality control.
• Carry out early value-stream mapping, manufacturing method planning, cell design, and related process work.
• Support factory layout planning, equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a closely related engineering field.
• At least 2 years of professional engineering experience in a tightly regulated manufacturing setting.
• Working understanding of fluid mechanics and structural mechanics basics.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods used for aerospace materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline.
• 3 or more years of manufacturing engineering experience, ideally involving fluid components, assembly, functional checks, or qualification testing.
• Strong understanding of common manufacturing methods for fluid components.
• Background in assembling and testing turbomachinery and combustion hardware.
• Experience in designing, setting up, and supporting a production line or build area.
• Familiarity with processes such as TIG, EB, and laser welding, heat treatment, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and precision cleaning.
• Experience moving products from design into production within a cross-functional team in a fast-moving, iterative environment.
• Experience with root-cause and corrective-action work, as well as PFMEA and DFMEA for manufacturing processes and products.

Additional Job Requirements

This role requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision, along with the ability to focus. The position also involves frequent sitting, use of hands and fingers, operation of computer and controls, and communication in both spoken and written form. Candidates must be physically able to travel between buildings. Work may occasionally involve dust, fumes, and moderate noise. Availability to work extended hours and weekends may be necessary depending on test and launch timelines.

Work Environment

The team operates with urgency, discipline, innovation, and strong collaboration. Employees are expected to work hard, stay resilient, support one another, keep egos in check, and contribute to tasks of every scale. The environment is fast-paced, deadline-driven, and focused on execution and problem solving.

Important Information

For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only: Employment is subject to U.S. export-control rules, including ITAR. Eligibility may require U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or the ability to obtain the necessary approvals from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status. This applies to hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, leave, termination, and all other employment terms.

Applicants in the United States who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact the designated accessibility resource noted by the employer. That contact is intended only for candidates whose disability prevents them from applying or interviewing normally, and responses may take up to two business days.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: Background screening will be completed before any offer is made, including nationality verification because access to ITAR-regulated equipment and data is required. Under these rules, you may not be eligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you hold an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.