Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Composites 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, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. About the Role In this role you’ll work across development and production, helping bring composite structures from prototype through to reliable, repeatable manufacturing. You’ll be involved in everything from tooling and process development to resolving issues on the floor and improving product quality. You’ll use systems like TeamCenter or Infor LN to manage data and processes, and tools like Siemens NX to support design and manufacturing integration. A big part of the role is problem-solving – analysing non-conformances, leading root cause investigations, and ensuring fixes are implemented properly. We’re looking for someone who understands manufacturing at a systems level. You’re comfortable working with DFMEA, PFMEA, and other structured problem-solving tools. You’ve applied Lean or Six Sigma in practice, and you know how to turn data into decisions using SPC and production metrics. Experience with composites is important – tooling, materials, repairs, or assembly into larger systems. You’ll also help define and improve processes so that what we build is not just high‑quality, but consistently repeatable. What You’ll Be Doing Take products from prototype through to full-scale production, ensuring they’re ready for the real world. Design and develop composite tooling, moulds, and manufacturing processes. Work alongside technicians and engineers to solve problems on the floor as they happen. Investigate non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and ensure fixes stick. Drive improvements across quality, cost, and delivery. Build clear, practical procedures so processes are easy to follow and repeatable. Support validation, testing, and implementation of product and process improvements. Use data (SPC, Pareto, etc.) to understand performance and guide better decisions. What You’ll Bring Experience working with ERP/PLM systems (TeamCenter, Infor LN or similar). CAD experience, ideally with Siemens NX. A solid background in manufacturing or production environments. Strong understanding of quality systems, metrics, and continuous improvement. Hands‑on experience with structured problem‑solving (DFMEA, PFMEA, root cause analysis). Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma tools and ways of working. Experience with composite materials, tooling, and manufacturing processes. Confidence troubleshooting issues and making decisions in a fast‑paced environment. Bonus Points Experience in aerospace or other high‑performance industries. Knowledge of advanced composite materials (resins, ablatives, sandwich structures). Experience with composite repairs and assembly into larger systems. Exposure to capacity modelling, value stream mapping, or process mapping. Comfortable working across teams and communicating with both engineers and technicians. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr