Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics

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. 

ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS:

It began with the CAPSTONE mission, supporting NASA’s NASA Artemis program by launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the Moon. From there, the team reached another milestone - becoming only the second company ever to successfully complete re-entry from orbit, opening new possibilities in microgravity manufacturing. Now, the journey continues. 

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

In this role, you’ll help shape the future of Ion Propulsion systems - supporting products from early-stage R&D through to scaled manufacturing and delivery to orbit. Working in a fast-paced environment where research meets production, you’ll contribute across design, testing, process development, and manufacturing optimisation to enable reliable, high-quality propulsion systems at scale.

You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of advanced space technologies, including:

• Ion Propulsion - supporting the transition of next-generation engines from prototype development into scalable production
• Reaction Wheel Production - improving high-volume manufacturing processes for complex mechatronic systems while supporting new product introduction
• Satellite Buses -  contributing across short-run builds spanning both design and manufacturing phases, providing broad product lifecycle exposure

This role has a strong technical focus on electrical systems, testing, harnessing, and PCB inspection and validation.

You’ll work closely with the Avionics Test and Avionics Manufacturing teams, partnering with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders across the business. The environment is collaborative, hands-on, and internationally diverse, with strong cross-functional engagement, knowledge sharing, and a balance of innovation-driven R&D and production delivery.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop, implement, and improve quality documentation (procedures, work instructions, inspection records)
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies
• Drive process optimisation and waste reduction in manufacturing workflows
• Organize and lead process reviews and audits at an organizational level
• Analyse production and test data to identify trends and implement corrective actions
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve product quality and performance
• Train and mentor production staff on best practices and quality standards

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, quality, project, or design engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering
• Strong electrical and/or mechanical engineering expertise
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and resolving non-conformances
• Experience developing, operating, and validating test rigs, systems, and methods
• Strong programming capability for test system development, automation, and data analysis
• Proficiency in Python, C++, SQL, and controls/electrical systems
• Solid understanding of Lean & Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, Corrective Actions, FMEA, APQP, and Control Plans
• Experience working within Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Proven ability to make sound engineering decisions and assess technical feasibility

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter or Infor LN
• Knowledge of production quality metrics
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
• Experience implementing change in compliance-driven environments
• PPS problem-solving experience

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge space exploration, advanced manufacturing, and real-world impact - helping deliver the next generation of propulsion systems that will power missions beyond Earth.

 

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 ITAR Regulations.