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. 

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

The purpose of the Senior Manufacturing Engineer is to facilitate and optimize production and testing processes, primarily in support of on-orbit Ion Propulsion. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will provide feedback during the Ion Propulsion development phase and ultimately oversee the transition of Avionics systems from R&D into scaled manufacturing. This position will work closely and develop strong relationships with Engineers, Technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable the delivery of Ion Propulsion systems to both internal and external customers.

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: 

• Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
• Knowledge of production quality metrics.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
• Compliance driven Manufacturing change implementation
• PPS problem solving

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.