Manufacturing Engineer II - Avionics

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab's Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world's most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others' back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

bout Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, enabling innovative missions for commercial, civil, defense, and academic customers. We're redefining what's possible in space, and we want you to be part of it.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer II - Avionics, you will play a key role in facilitating and optimizing production and launch vehicle system tests in a high-growth production environment. You will ensure manufacturing principles are practiced to meet stringent launch timelines, working closely with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across multiple departments. Your responsibilities will include troubleshooting and root-causing production stoppages, developing and optimizing production processes, and implementing new processes through prototyping, testing, and integration. You will autonomously lead root cause analysis investigations, create and approve technical documentation, and drive action towards achieving departmental KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Production

• Facilitate the production of current and future Rocket Lab vehicles
• Develop and optimize production and test operations using standard manufacturing best practices (e.g., Lean Six Sigma)
• Create FMEAs and action plans; mitigate risk within current processes
• Design faultless processes and create RFQs for equipment/tooling requirements
• Implement process automation where possible
• Provide hands-on technical support for production and test operations
• Train production staff on current and future manufacturing processes

Project Management

• Deliver right-first-time project implementation
• Establish timelines and execute actions for long-term projects
• Coordinate resources and communicate major milestones and risks
• Support continuous improvement projects

Technical Documentation

• Create, review, and approve technical documentation for production
• Set and support standards for technical documentation

Problem Solving

• Lead root cause analysis of complex problems using a PPS process
• Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with key stakeholders
• Communicate major milestones and lessons learned

Systems & Tools

• Become an SME for PLM and ERP systems (Team Center, LN - Infor, internal floor management system [Flame])
• Provide DFM approval and feedback

Health & Safety

• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed
• Wear correct PPE in designated areas
• Report near-misses and incidents promptly

Other

• Domestic and international travel may be required
• Additional duties as reasonably required
• Adhere to company policies and procedures

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Mechatronics Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years' experience as a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineer
• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
• Strong communicator with proven ability to deliver clear and concise KPIs
• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, growing environment
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Experience with implementation of major CapEx project delivery

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
• Knowledge of production quality metrics
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
• IQ/PQ process-driven project completion
• PPS problem solving
• Programming experience with industrial PLCs

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on innovative projects at the forefront of the space industry
• A collaborative, high-performance team environment
• Career development and growth opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits

Important Information

• Applicants may be required to undergo background checks and security clearances.
• Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

If the above sounds like you apply now!