Rocketlab~1mo ago

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics

New Zealand·Aucklandsenior

Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing & Production

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Quick Summary

Overview

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.

Requirements Summary

Experience with Siemens Teamcenter or Infor LN Knowledge of production quality metrics Experience transitioning products from prototype to production Change implementation in compliance-driven environments PPS problem solving This is a rare…

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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.

It began with the CAPSTONE mission, supporting NASA’s NASA Artemis program by launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the Moon. From there, the team reached another milestone - becoming only the second company ever to successfully complete re-entry from orbit, opening new possibilities in microgravity manufacturing. Now, the journey continues. Be part of the team supporting missions beyond Earth, including work with Rocket Lab and its twin spacecraft headed to Mars on NASA’s ESCAPADE mission.

About the Role

~1 min read

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the future of Ion Propulsion systems, from early-stage development through to scaled production. You’ll be embedded in a fast-moving environment where R&D meets high-volume manufacturing - providing input during design phases, solving complex production challenges, and ultimately enabling reliable delivery of advanced propulsion systems to orbit.

You’ll contribute across a diverse portfolio of space technologies:

New engine development in early-stage research and design. You’ll help guide its transition from prototype into scalable manufacturing.

High-volume manufacturing involving complex mechatronics systems, improving the line and introducing new products.

Short-run builds spanning both design and production, offering broad exposure across the product lifecycle.

There’s a strong technical focus on electrical systems, testing, harnessing, and PCB inspection/testing.

You’ll work closely with Avionics Test and Avionics Manufacturing teams, partnering with engineers, technicians, and key stakeholders across the business
A collaborative, down-to-earth culture with team members from around the world
Strong cross-functional engagement and knowledge sharing
A balance of R&D innovation and production delivery

Responsibilities

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→Develop, implement, and improve quality documentation (procedures, work instructions, inspection records)
→Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies
→Drive process optimisation and waste reduction in manufacturing workflows
→Organize and lead process reviews and audits at an organizational level
→Analyse production and test data to identify trends and implement corrective actions
→Collaborate cross-functionally to improve product quality and performance
→Train and mentor production staff on best practices and quality standards

This is a hands-on, senior-level role requiring:

Strong electrical and/or mechanical engineering expertise
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve non-conformances
Experience developing and operating test rigs and systems
Capability to write code and analyze test data

Programming is a key requirement, particularly for:

Test system development
Automation
Data analysis

Python
C++
SQL
Controls / Electrical competency

5+ years’ experience in manufacturing, quality, project, or design engineering
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering
Experience with process and test method validation

Strong knowledge of:

Lean & Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions, FMEA, APQP, Control Plans
Experience working within Quality Management Systems
Proven ability to make sound engineering decisions and assess feasibility

NICE TO HAVE:

Experience with Siemens Teamcenter or Infor LN
Knowledge of production quality metrics
Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
Change implementation in compliance-driven environments
PPS problem solving

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.