Manufacturing Engineer II Avionics

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 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.

While other companies talk about it we do it!

ELECTRON

Rocket Labs 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 worlds 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.

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team designs manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft enabling innovative missions for commercial civil defense and academic customers. Were redefining whats possible in space and we want you to be part of it.

As a Manufacturing Engineer II Avionics you will play a key role in facilitating and optimizing production and launch vehicle system tests in a high-growth production environment. You will ensure manufacturing principles are practiced to meet stringent launch timelines working closely with engineers technicians and subject matter experts across multiple departments. Your responsibilities will include troubleshooting and root-causing production stoppages developing and optimizing production processes and implementing new processes through prototyping testing and integration. You will autonomously lead root cause analysis investigations create and approve technical documentation and drive action towards achieving departmental KPIs.

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
• Design 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

• Deliver right-first-time project implementation
• Establish timelines and execute actions for long-term projects
• Coordinate resources and communicate major milestones and risks
• Support continuous improvement projects

Technical Documentation

• Create review and approve technical documentation for production
• Set and support standards 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

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

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in Electrical Mechanical Computer or Mechatronics Engineering or related field
• 3 years experience as a Manufacturing Production or Process Engineer
• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
• Strong communicator with proven ability to deliver clear and concise KPIs
• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced growing environment
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Experience with implementation of major CapEx project delivery

• Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
• Knowledge of production quality metrics
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
• IQ/PQ process-driven project completion
• PPS problem solving
• Programming experience with industrial PLCs

• 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

• Applicants may be required to undergo background checks and security clearances.
• Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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 here ITAR Regulations.