Manufacturing Engineer II - 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 to 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.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. We design, manufacture, and launch advanced rockets and spacecraft, enabling innovative missions for commercial, civil, defense, and academic customers. Join us as we redefine what’s possible in space.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer II – Composites, you will play a key role in supporting production activities related to the Launch Vehicle in a high-growth, fast-paced environment. You will ensure manufacturing principles are practiced to a high standard, enabling Rocket Lab to meet stringent launch timelines.

You will work closely with the Lead Manufacturing Engineer and collaborate with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across multiple departments to enable the build and testing of launch vehicles. Your responsibilities will include reviewing and processing non-conformance documents, developing and optimizing processes, tools, and equipment for production, and supporting the implementation of process changes through prototyping, testing, and validation. You will also contribute to improvement projects, risk assessments, daily issue management, and 5S initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Production

• Facilitate the production of current and future Rocket Lab vehicles.
• Develop and optimize production and test operations using standard manufacturing best practices (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
• Create FMEAs and action plans; mitigate risk within current processes.
• Serve as the SME for the Vehicle Integration Production department.
• Design robust, faultless processes and create RFQs for equipment/tooling requirements.
• Implement process automation where possible.
• Provide hands-on technical support for production and test operations.
• Train production staff on current and future manufacturing processes.

Project Management

• Lead and deliver right-first-time project implementation.
• Communicate major milestones and potential risks.
• Coordinate resources needed for project implementation.
• Support continuous improvement projects.

Technical Documentation

• Create and approve technical documentation for production.
• Set and support standards for technical documentation.
• Support future strategy for technical documentation.

Problem Solving

• Lead root cause analysis of complex problems using a PPS process.
• Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with key stakeholders.
• Communicate major milestones and lessons learned.
• Conduct lessons learned events.

Systems & Tools

• Become an SME for PLM and ERP systems (Team Center, LN – Infor, internal floor management system [Flame]).
• Provide DFM approval and feedback.

Health & Safety

• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed.
• Wear correct PPE in designated areas.
• Report near-misses and incidents promptly.

Other

• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Additional duties as reasonably required.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures.

Expectations

• Demonstrate technical knowledge and provide solutions to engineering challenges.
• Create and improve technical documentation.
• Assess and communicate risk, implementing long-term mitigation.
• Assume ownership for improvements and challenges in assigned responsibilities.
• Identify and implement solutions to improve cost, quality, reliability, and delivery.
• Establish and execute project plans autonomously.
• Exhibit a positive, professional, and collaborative attitude.
• Communicate effectively with peers and stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional teams and train others as needed.
• Apply logical reasoning and debate skills to discussions.
• Create and deliver training packages in area of responsibility.
• Maintain professionalism and punctuality.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
• 4+ years’ experience as a Manufacturing, Production, Process, or Quality Engineer (or equivalent).
• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Working experience with composite materials, manufacturing, and design techniques, including prepreg and wet layup processes.
• Able to prioritize risk effectively and make risk/reward trade-off calls.
• Proven ability to deliver on schedule with minimal supervision, individually or as part of a team.
• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Passion for the aerospace industry.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with ERP/PLM systems (Siemens Team Center, Infor LN).
• Computer-aided design experience, preferably with Siemens NX.
• Previous experience in a development or production environment.
• Knowledge of production quality metrics.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.
• Proven delivery of composite mould and tooling materials, design, and implementation.
• Ability to analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
• Experience leading root cause/corrective action investigations and preventative action implementation.
• Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action.
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping.
• SPC knowledge and experience applying statistical methods to track process capability and performance.
• Knowledge of composite material properties, including resin systems, ablative materials, and sandwich structures.
• Experience with composite structure repair techniques and processes.
• Experience in manufacturing and assembly of composite structures into larger assemblies.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on innovative projects at the forefront of the space industry.
• A collaborative, high-performance team environment.
• Career development and growth opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits.

Ready to launch your career? Apply now and help us redefine what’s possible in space.

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment 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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.