Global Director of Quality

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!

ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a leading end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft design, manufacturing, and on-orbit management solutions. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. As we continue to innovate and expand our global operations, we are seeking an accomplished and visionary Global Director of Quality to ensure our products and services consistently meet the highest standards.

GLOBAL DIRECTOR, QUALITY

Based onsite at our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Global Director of Quality at Rocket Lab will be responsible for overseeing and driving the company's quality strategy across global operations. This position demands a strategic leader capable of implementing robust quality management systems, fostering cross-functional collaboration, ensuring compliance with stringent aerospace regulations, and promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining Rocket Lab’s reputation for excellence and reliability in the aerospace industry.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Developing and Executing Global Quality Strategy: Define and implement a comprehensive quality vision, setting quality goals and establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success across different regions and products, including launch vehicles and spacecraft.
• Leading Quality Management Systems (QMS): Manage and maintain Rocket Lab’s QMS, ensuring adherence to ISO and aerospace-specific quality standards (e.g., AS9100). Oversee the certification processes necessary for compliance and operational excellence across all manufacturing and operational sites globally.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with teams across various departments such as operations, engineering, R&D, legal, supply chain, and finance to identify and address quality issues, promote continuous improvement initiatives, and align quality objectives with overall business goals and mission success.
• Supplier Quality Management: Oversee the quality performance of suppliers, establishing stringent quality standards for incoming materials and conduct thorough supplier audits to ensure compliance.
• Complaint Management: Handle customer complaints with a focus on root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions. Monitor trends and implement preventive measures to uphold a high standard of reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Quality Improvement Initiatives: Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using industry-specific methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality tools to eliminate process variations and defects.
• Audit and Compliance: Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with relevant aerospace and defense industry standards such as AS9100, and any applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, DoD, NASA regulations).
• Training and Development: Develop and deliver quality-related training programs for employees at all levels to instill a quality-focused culture throughout the organization.
• Reporting and Communication: Regularly report on quality performance metrics, communicating quality initiatives to stakeholders across the organization, and identifying areas for improvement.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management, or a related field.
• 12+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of proven leadership experience within a global manufacturing or service environment.
• Strong understanding of quality management principles and methodologies (e.g., ISO standards, Lean, Six Sigma).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively across all levels of an organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and implement company-wide initiatives effectively.
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet business requirements, up to 50% travel. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in engineering, quality management, or a related field.
• Advanced certifications such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, CQE are a plus.
• Knowledge of specific aerospace industry regulations and compliance requirements.

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 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.