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!

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we're adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core - every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ENGINEERING

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - PROPULSION

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer- Propulsion plays a crucial role in enabling the production team to meet targeted production rates with optimal quality. They provide comprehensive support for all production-related activities at Rocket Lab. This involves taking ownership of products once they are released to production, eliminating production obstacles, handling non-conformance tickets, conducting root-cause analyses, and implementing corrective actions.You will be tasked with the development, implementation, and continual enhancement of manufacturing processes and procedures. Utilise your extensive knowledge of the product and best-practice manufacturing techniques to optimize and innovate production methods. This includes collaborating closely with the production team to refine existing processes and introducing new procedures through prototyping, testing, and integration.

Key responsibilities include supporting the engine assembly process and maintaining testing infrastructure. They are also responsible for the testing and performance verification of propulsion components such as high-power motor controllers, turbopumps, and liquid rocket engines. Success in this role is measured by delivering high-quality outputs to the vehicle integration team while reducing the time required for the propulsion system process.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field
Demonstrated hands-on technical experience in diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical, electrical, or software issues within a manufacturing environment
Capable of training colleagues in industry best practices.
Excellent communicator, both written and verbal, with the proven ability to achieve key performance indicators independently or collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Exhibit a proactive attitude and flexibility to excel within evolving teams and processes
Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment and risk-based decision-making

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

Experience with ERP/PLM Systems - Siemens Team Centre / Infor LN
Computer Aided Design experience, preferably with Siemens NX
Knowledge of production quality metrics
Strong experience in configuration control and configuration management in production systems
Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and pressure sensors
Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action
Proven ability to deliver new product implementation activities on time and to budget
Familiar with engineering change processes and implementation in production environments
Experience with implementing, operating and maintaining test systems for acceptance testing production hardware.
Experience using python for data analytics and data post-processing

Ready to launch your career in Aerospace- 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 Biow 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.