Manufacturing Engineer II

Manufacturing Engineer II – Propulsion Based out of Rocket Lab's Production Complex in Auckland, New Zealand, the Manufacturing Engineer II – Propulsion is responsible for overseeing process improvements and product revisions related to the Rutherford rocket engine. The role supports the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, providing deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. What You'll Get to Do Develop and document production processes, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements, and supervisor sign-offs. Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities and, when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations. Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for production use to improve quality, delivery, and/or cost performance. Lead continuous improvement using lean tools and techniques such as 5S, and introduce automation where appropriate, ensuring equipment data connects to MRP and quality systems. Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc. Perform initial Value Stream Mapping exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, and cell design. Implement factory layouts, equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning. You’ll Bring These Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline. 2+ years of professional engineering experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals. Knowledge of manufacturing processes for aerospace materials. These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline. 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably with fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts, or qualification testing. Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components. Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices. Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area. Experience with manufacturing processes such as TIG, EB, laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and precision cleaning. Experience transitioning products from design to production as part of a cross‑functional team in a fast‑paced, iterative design environment. Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA/DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products. Additional Requirements Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Must be able to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Must be physically able to commute to buildings and may be exposed to dust, fumes, and moderate noise levels. Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules. 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