Manufacturing Engineer - Vehicle Integration (Night Shift, 4 day week)

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. 

Enjoy a slower start to your day, avoid the morning rush, and kick off a 3-day weekend every Friday - all while working on cutting-edge aerospace technology.

At Rocket Lab, we’re looking for a Manufacturing Engineer – Vehicle Integration (Night Shift) to play a critical, hands-on role in building, testing, and launching our vehicles. This is your chance to own real outcomes, solve complex challenges, and help shape the future of space systems in a fast-moving, high-performance environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

If you thrive on solving problems, tackling the unknown, and making things work better, you’ll fit right in.

Our team sits at the heart of production -  supporting daily operations, driving efficiency, reducing waste, and bringing new products from test phase into full production. You’ll be working across integration, final assembly, and testing, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to launch.

We’re a versatile, multi-disciplinary team. Mechanical strength is our foundation, but we’re especially keen to bring in more electrical expertise. If you’ve got a mix of electrical, mechanical, or software skills -  and a hunger to learn - you’ll thrive here.

Work Schedule details: 

• 4-Day Week (Mon–Thurs) | Late Start | Long Weekends Every Week
• Hours: 3:00 PM – 1:30 AM

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

Manufacturing & Process Excellence

• Lead and optimise production for current and next-generation vehicles
• Design robust, efficient, and fault-resistant manufacturing and test processes
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to improve performance and reduce waste
• Own FMEAs and proactively manage risk mitigation strategies
• Support tooling and equipment sourcing (RFQs) to enable scalable production

Project Delivery

• Deliver projects right-first-time, including CAPEX and process improvements
• Coordinate resources, track milestones, and manage risks
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the production line
• Mentor junior engineers and support their development

Technical Leadership & Support

• Develop and maintain high-quality technical documentation
• Lead root cause analysis and cross-functional problem solving (PPS)
• Capture lessons learned and embed improvements into future processes
• Act as SME for systems like Siemens Teamcenter and Infor LN
• Provide hands-on support during production and testing
• Train teams on new processes and ensure smooth implementation
• Champion health & safety and promote a safe working environment

WHAT YOU'LL DO: 

Essential

• 3–5 years’ experience in Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering
• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or similar
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills with complex systems
• Clear communication and technical documentation ability
• Adaptability — you learn fast and handle change with confidence
• Ownership mindset - you spot problems and take action
• Ability to mentor others and contribute to a high-performance team culture

Desirable

• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter and/or Infor LN
• Understanding of production quality metrics
• Experience scaling from prototype to production
• Knowledge of controlled manufacturing change processes
• PPS problem-solving experience

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU :

• 4-day work week - every weekend is a long weekend
• Late start schedule -  reclaim your mornings
• Work on cutting-edge aerospace technology
• Be part of a high-impact, high-performance team
• Real ownership, real responsibility, real outcomes

If you meet around 50% of the requirements, we still want to hear from you -  we’re growing, and opportunities are opening up.

Apply now and help build the future of launch vehicle manufacturing.

 

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.