Manufacturing Engineer II - Space Systems

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.

About 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. We design, manufacture, and launch advanced rockets and spacecraft, enabling innovation for commercial, civil, defense, and academic customers worldwide.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer II - Space Systems, you will play a pivotal role in developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for Rocket Lab's launch vehicles and spacecraft. You'll collaborate with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across departments to ensure best-in-class manufacturing practices and the achievement of production targets.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing tooling, troubleshooting production issues, and driving root cause analysis and corrective actions. You'll also support New Product Introduction (NPI) by developing and validating new processes, ensuring seamless integration into production. This role is key to driving continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining technical documentation to meet departmental KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and document manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Design and implement production tooling and fixtures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production stoppages and non-conformances.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support NPI through process development, prototyping, and integration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve production goals.
• Create and maintain technical documentation to support manufacturing operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to meet or exceed KPIs.
• 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 to mitigate risk within current processes.
• Design robust, faultless processes and create RFQs for equipment/tooling requirements.
• Implement process automation where possible.
• Deliver right-first-time project implementation, communicating milestones and risks.
• Support continuous improvement and lessons-learned activities.
• Become an SME for PLM and ERP systems (Team Center, Infor LN, Flame).
• Provide onsite production and test support, including DFM approval and feedback.
• Train production staff on current and future manufacturing processes.
• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed at all times.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• 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, evolving environment.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience delivering major CapEx projects.

Desirable:

• Experience with Siemens Team Center and/or Infor LN.
• Knowledge of production quality metrics.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.

What We're Looking For

• Technical knowledge and ability to propose solutions to engineering challenges.
• Experience with avionics and electrical systems, including current and voltage measurement.
• Basic software development knowledge.
• Ability to create, review, and approve technical documentation.
• Project management skills, including timeline creation and execution.
• Risk-based decision-making and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Applied business solutions to improve cost, quality, reliability, and delivery.
• Self-starter with strong strategic planning and prioritization skills.
• Positive, professional attitude and a collaborative, "How can I help?" mentality.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Flexibility to support other teams and projects as needed.
• Commitment to health and safety standards.

Additional Information

• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Additional duties as reasonably required.
• Adherence to company policies and procedures is expected.

Rocket Lab is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

If the above sounds like you apply now!