Senior Quality Manufacturing & Design 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!

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete reentry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we’re going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a senior member of the Quality Engineering department, the Senior Quality Engineer – Manufacturing drives the development and implementation of business systems, processes, and tools to ensure quality is built into every aspect of our product and embedded throughout the entire value stream. They also support the management and resolution of quality issues as they arise during development, industrialization, and serial production of Rocket Lab products, ensuring the root-cause of any non-conformance is resolved and the issue does not occur in the future.

This position will work closely and develop strong relationships with a variety of Engineers, Technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable the development of business processes and supporting documentation as well as the manufacture, testing and operation of all Rocket Lab products.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop, implement, maintain and improve quality documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and inspection records.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to improve productivity by eliminating waste, driving process and quality improvement using lean initiatives.
• Organize and lead periodic reviews and audits of manufacturing processes and their performance at an organization level.
• Analyze data to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance overall product quality and performance.
• Train and mentor production staff on quality standards and best practices.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years in a quality, project, manufacturing, or design engineering role.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, manufacturing, mechanical or material sciences engineering.
• Experience with process and test method validation activities.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning, Metrology, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Control Plans.
• Practical experience with Quality Management Systems and Statistical Process Control (SPC). 
• Has demonstrated skills within the rocket propulsion industry where applicable to deliver required company outcomes.
• Uses experience/skill to make good engineering decisions and evaluate feasibility of engineering method.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Certification in quality management (e.g., Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), AS9100/ISO9001 Lead and/or Internal Auditor, Six Sigma Green or Black Belt).
• Experience in supporting the production of complex electro-mechanical, mechanical, or composite systems in high-volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up.
• Proven track record of year-on-year product and process improvement activities.
• Has successfully introduced new product to the shop floor having been part of the design and process development process.
• Conducted both process and design FMEAs, resulting in substantial risk reduction and design changes.
• Experience with Atlassian products (Jira and/or Confluence)

ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.