Senior Component Manufacturing Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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!

SENIOR COMPONENT MANUFACTURING ENGINEER 

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Component Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for bringing fluid component designs into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Neutron program. You will support the Director of Manufacturing and Production/Fluid Systems organizations by standing up a new component development area, supporting component designs early and leading assembly of Neutron components.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Influence the design of critical Neutron components early in the program to aid in producibility, cost and reliability
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions
• When required, lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements
• Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes
• Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques
• Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering
• 5+ years of experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or qualification testing

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• 8+ years of experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or qualification testing
• Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices
• Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment

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 launch schedules 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees ma