Senior Manufacturing Engineer – 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 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 rockethas 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.

Were looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Composites who enjoys being close to the product- someone who understands how things are designed built and improved in the real world.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

In this role youll work across both development and production helping bring composite structures from prototype through to reliable repeatable manufacturing. Youll be involved in everything from tooling and process development to resolving issues on the floor and improving product quality.

Youll use systems like TeamCenter or Infor LN to manage data and processes and tools like Siemens NX to support design and manufacturing integration. A big part of the role is problem-solving - analysing non-conformances leading root cause investigations and making sure fixes are implemented properly and dont come back.

Were looking for someone who understands manufacturing at a systems level. Youre comfortable working with DFMEA PFMEA and other structured problem-solving tools. Youve applied Lean or Six Sigma in practice and you know how to turn data into decisions using SPC and production metrics. Experience with composites is important - whether thats tooling materials repairs or assembly into larger systems. Youll also help define and improve processes so that what we build is not just high-quality but consistently repeatable.

This role suits someone who takes ownership works well with others on the floor and is always looking for ways to improve how things are donenot just maintain the status quo.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING:

• Take products from prototype through to full-scale production making sure theyre ready for the real world
• Design and develop composite tooling moulds and manufacturing processes
• Work alongside technicians and engineers to solve problems on the floor as they happen
• Investigate non-conformances lead root cause analysis and make sure fixes actually stick
• Drive improvements across quality cost and deliverynot just maintain the status quo
• Build clear practical procedures so processes are easy to follow and repeatable
• Support validation testing and implementation of product and process improvements
• Use data (SPC Pareto etc.) to understand performance and guide better decisions

WHAT YOULL BRING:

Youre someone who understands how things get built - not just in theory but in practice.

• Experience working with ERP/PLM systems (TeamCenter Infor LN or similar)
• CAD experience ideally with Siemens NX
• A solid background in manufacturing or production environments
• Strong understanding of quality systems metrics and continuous improvement
• Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving (DFMEA PFMEA root cause analysis)
• Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma tools and ways of working
• Experience with composite materials tooling and manufacturing processes
• Confidence troubleshooting issues and making decisions in a fast-paced environment

BONUS POINTS

Not essential but great to have:

• Experience in aerospace or other high-performance industries
• Knowledge of advanced composite materials (resins ablatives sandwich structures)
• Experience with composite repairs and assembly into larger systems
• Exposure to capacity modelling value stream mapping or process mapping
• Comfortable working across teams and communicating with both engineers and technicians

This role suits someone who likes being close to the action - solving real problems improving how things are built and taking ownership of the outcome. If this is you Apply today!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.