Manufacturing Engineer - Fabrication & Machining

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

MANUFACTURING

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER – FABRICATION & MACHINING

Drive innovation and efficiency as a Manufacturing Engineer II – Fabrication & Machining! In this dynamic role, you'll optimize processes, enhance production quality, and implement cutting-edge solutions to meet operational goals. Collaborate across teams to tackle technical challenges, streamline workflows, and fuel continuous improvement. Make an impact by delivering top-tier products while ensuring safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness! Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Design, implement, and improve manufacturing systems for complex, fast-paced projects.

• Establish and document processes and instructions related to the Quality Management System (QMS), Work Instructions, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Collect production data, analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify trends to drive improvements.

• Define and implement tool life management strategies to optimize production line performance and reduce downtime.

• Take ownership of the Non-Conformance Reporting and Root Cause Management.

• Part creation, routings and workflows for production.

• Perform process validation activities, Equipment Acceptance Testing and First Article Inspection as required.

• Provide support for inspection activities as required.

• Support development projects by creating action plans, designing fixtures, and optimizing manufacturing processes.

• Identify opportunities for automation and implement cutting-edge solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workloads.

• Lead initiatives to improve existing processes, boost operational efficiency, and deliver measurable results.

• Contribute to high-impact strategic projects and business cases, including capital investments in new equipment and technologies.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related

• 1+ year experience with quality management systems.

• Strong communicator, with proven ability to deliver KPl's with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team.

• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processes.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 3+ years' experience with Engineering project management and/or production/process engineering, ideally in a Machine Shop environment

• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems within a Manufacturing environment

• Demonstratable knowledge of GD&T and interpreting technical drawings.

• Experience with CAD/CAM/CAE Systems - NX

• Experience with ERP/PLM Systems - Siemens Team Centre / lnfor LN

• Knowledge of production quality metrics

• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production (Assisting NPI engineers via DFMEA and PFMEA)

• IQ / PQ process driven project completion

• PPS problem solving

• Implementation of large capital projects into a production environment

• Efficient in configuration part number creation

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 here.

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 Johnson at [email protected] 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 ITAR Regulations.