Lead, Quality Engineer - Space Systems

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. 

LEAD, QUALITY ENGINEER - SPACE SYSTEMS

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead, Quality Engineer – Space Systems is responsible for overseeing the properly introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions related to both Satellites and Avionics modules for Rocket engines. You will support the Quality Manager and Production and Engineering Organizations with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors and investors. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and implement Quality Control Processes and Standards. 
• Lead, facilitate, and participate in root cause investigations. 
• Identify and prioritize Risk to Mission Success 
• Identify and categorize quality problems that are impacting the company’s ability to deliver conforming hardware on schedule 
• Ensure adherence to QMS policy and procedures within their work center and creation of procedures when needed. 
• Efficiently communicate status of evaluation and disposition to leadership. 
• Lead and coordinate management of non-conforming hardware, including ticket dispositions, analysis, and improvement projects. 
• Lead cost saving initiatives, especially related to product yield. 
• Contribute to design reviews to reduce quality risk and time lost due to non-conformances. 
• Lead a team of Quality engineers through development and improvement initiatives. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, industrial, material sciences engineering, or similar engineering discipline  
• 5+ years of experience as a quality engineer in aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing environment 
• Hands-on quality and testing experience 
• Strong Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, or various problem-solving approaches. 
• Experience in a leadership position. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical) 
• Systems Engineering or Reliability Knowledge 
• Experience successfully overseeing developing and introducing new product(s) to production. 
• Proven track record of year-on-year product and process improvement activities. 
• Conducted both process and design failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). 
• Track record of leveraging new technologies to develop real shop floor solutions. 
• Propulsion manufacturing experience and testing highly desirable. 
• Experience supporting production of complex, mechanical, or composites systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up 
• Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) 
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components 
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.    
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.   
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings  
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.  
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and