Senior Manufacturing Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Senior Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving manufacturing processes. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms; their products include separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Optimize production of spacecraft mechanisms
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Assist with problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations
• Identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements
• Coordinate between production, quality, supply chain, and design engineering staff for complex problem solving, process changes and design reviews
• Develop and maintain continuous manufacturing improvement processes
• Apply DFM principles to existing designs
• Refine and develop production procedures (work instructions) that facilitate efficient, repeatable and reliable manufacturing
• Design, develop and implement tooling and production equipment to improve quality and efficiency
• Travel to other Rocket Lab facilities, suppliers, conferences, and customers.

YOU WILL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, or mechanical engineering
• 5+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineering
• Familiarity with common aerospace manufacturing processes (such as CNC machining, EDM, 3D printing, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action
• CAD familiarity
• Basic understanding of electrical circuitry
• Capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree or 8+ years experience as a manufacturing engineer
• Experience directly managing a team of 3 or more in a technical discipline
• SolidWorks, Solid Edge or NX CAD software familiarity
• Programming familiarity (LabView, Python, C, C#, C++, and/or MATLAB, etc.)
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
• Experience with production automation or robotic assembly
• Working experience with aerospace environmental testing such as quasi-static loads, random vibration, shock and thermal vacuum
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping
• Black belt or similar Six Sigma training
• SPC knowledge and experience applying statistical methods to track process capability and performance
• Familiarity with common aerospace materials and surface treatments (hard anodize, electroless plating, chem-film, passivation, etc.)
• Experience with Siemens Team Centre / Infor LN
• Demonstrated ability to schedule and work on multiple projects concurrently
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other engineers

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR

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Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at

This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here