Supplier Quality Engineer II/Senior - Composites

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. 

NEUTRON 

 Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! 

SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II/SENIOR

Based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD the Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (composites and mechanical assemblies), services & processes are achieved for our Neutron launch vehicle. Working as a liaison between our internal customers and suppliers you are a critical conduit for translating technical requirements into easy and clear specifications that suppliers can achieve.

Your exceptional communication and negotiation skills will encourage suppliers to strive for improvement, implement more robust quality processes and drive cost reduction, process efficiency whilst enabling smooth management of the sometimes-conflicting priorities between customers & suppliers. The role will also include creation of non-conformance reports, performing supplier audits, managing supplier concessions, and identifying opportunities for improvement to reduce risk, cost, or lead time to Rocket Lab. 

(This position can be hired as a Supplier Quality Engineer II or Senior Supplier Quality Engineer)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Establish fundamental Supplier Quality systems and processes to drive the business forward 
• Generate metrics and tools to enhance visibility of supplier performance 
• Continuous improvement of purchased product quality 
• Performing on site and remote supplier audits 
• Creation of internal and external quality control plans 
• Creation of quality standards, processes, and procedures 
• Creation of Non-Conformance reports and CAPA management 
• Performing quality investigations 
• Identifying processes failures at suppliers 
• Drive to understand root causes and ensure implementation of corrective actions 
• Deploying PFMEA tools, techniques & training to support targeted improvement actions 
• Support suppliers with scaling up their production processes to achieve the future quality cost and delivery targets 
• Follow-up & verify corrective action implementations and audit findings 
• Strong focus on quality improvement at source and driving cost reduction opportunities 
• Working with suppliers to introduce new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP) 
• Liaise between suppliers, development, production, and senior management 
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed at both Rocket Lab and supplier sites  

 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering; or other engineering degree
•  2+ years of experience working in an advanced manufacturing environment in a highly regulated industry such as Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or Industrial – OR - 6 + years of experience in lieu of degree

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering; or other engineering