Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Vehicle Integration
Rocket Lab
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.
Rocket Lab is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Vehicle Integration to play a critical role in enabling the production, testing, and launch of our vehicles in a fast-growing, high-performance manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you’ll own manufacturing processes end-to-end, lead complex problem solving, and help set the standard for manufacturing excellence across our production and test operations.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Are you ready to tackle challenges, navigate unknowns, and make a real impact in aerospace? Our team supports day-to-day production line issues, drives efficiency projects, reduces waste, and manages new product introductions - from testing to production.
We oversee integration, final assembly, and testing processes, ensuring seamless workflows and sign-offs. From LC1 to LC2, we manage final builds and thrive on versatility. We’re looking for individuals with a broad skill set - electrical, mechanical, and software expertise who can adapt quickly, solve problems, and embrace challenges. While our team is mechanically strong, we’d love to see more electrical expertise.
If you’re passionate about aerospace, thrive in chaos, and love learning fast, this is the role for you!
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:
Manufacturing & Process Excellence
- Lead production for current and future Rocket Lab vehicles, developing and optimizing robust, fault-free manufacturing and test processes.
- Implement manufacturing best practices (Lean, Six Sigma), own FMEAs, and drive risk mitigation strategies and action plans.
- Manage RFQs for equipment and tooling to support efficient production operations.
Project Delivery & Continuous Improvement
- Lead right-first-time project implementations, including major CAPEX and process improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate resources, manage risks, and communicate milestones while driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Coach junior engineers on project execution and delivery.
Technical Leadership & Documentation
- Set and steer technical documentation standards and strategies across the business.
- Lead root cause analysis using PPS methodologies and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving teams.
- Capture lessons learned, ensure follow-up actions, and drive future documentation improvements.
Production Systems & Support
- Act as SME for production systems (Siemens Teamcenter, Infor LN ERP, internal floor management systems).
- Provide onsite production and test support, approve DFM feedback, and train staff on new processes.
Health, Safety & Professional Standards
- Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, promote safe working practices, and respond to incidents
We have two positions to fill:
Day shift:
- 7am to 330pm (overtime may be required)
- 5 day week (Mon – Fri)
Night shift:
- 3pm start to 1.30am
- 4 day week (Monday – Thursday)
If you have a preference for either shift, please let us know.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Essential
- 3-5 years’ experience in Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or similar
- Hands-on experience debugging complex manufacturing systems
- Strong communication skills with the ability to write clear KPIs and technical documentation
- Ability to learn on the job and adapt quickly to new challenges.
- Ability to coach and mentor junior engineers while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- A proactive, ownership-driven mindset - you see problems and fix them
Desirable
- Experience with Siemens Teamcenter and/or Infor LN
- Knowledge of production quality metrics
- Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
- Compliance-driven manufacturing change experience
- PPS problem-solving experience
Apply now and help shape the future of launch vehicle manufacturing!
If you meet at least 50% of the requirements, we encourage you to apply—additional roles may be opening soon.
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.