Supplier Quality Engineer II

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.

SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II

As a Supplier Quality Engineer based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will have the opportunity to provide technical support/resources to assist in correcting non conformances. In this role you will work closely with the procurement team & suppliers to shorten lead times. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts, services & processes are achieved
• Work as a liaison between our procurement team and suppliers; you will be a critical conduit for translating technical requirements into easy and clear specifications that suppliers can achieve
• Communicate and negotiate with suppliers to strive for improvement, implement more robust quality processes and drive cost reduction, processes efficiency whilst enabling smooth management of the sometimes-conflicting priorities between customers & suppliers
• Create non-conformance reports, perform supplier audits, manage supplier concessions, and identify opportunities for improvement to reduce risk, cost, or lead time
• Implement and maintain vendor scores
• Travel up to 25% of the time (2-3 times per quarter)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years of experience working in a high quality, process driven environment
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, logistics or other technical field
• Experience leading and investigating quality related issues
• Experience with root cause methodologies such as 8D’s, 5 Why’s, Fishbone diagrams, etc.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Previous experience in a supplier quality role
• Experience leading and managing projects
• Experience working within a regulated industry such as Aerospace, Medical, Automotive etc.
• Exposure to regulatory standards such as AS9100, ISO13485, IATF 16949 or similar
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and geometric dimensions
• Ability to positively collaborate with supplier personnel to find mutually beneficial solutions
• Problem solving attitude
• Proactive, enthusiastic, self-motivated
• The ability to learn quickly and work productively without direct supervision
• Experience working under pressure with tight deadlines
• Highly organized with faultless attention to detail
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Developing KPI/KRIs for performance reporting
• Experience with a wide range of specialized technical manufacturing processes
• Lean/six sigma experience
• Experience managing international vendors
• Knowledge of ITAR regulations and compliance
• Technical knowledge of brush/brushless motors

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