Manufacturing Engineer Nightshift
Auckland - New Zealand
Job Summary
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.
Manufacturing Engineering powers Rocket Labs factories from concept to full-scale production. Were seeking Manufacturing Engineers across multiple disciplines for our late shift to turn early ideas into manufacturable designs build and optimize the systems that make them real and constantly push for faster better smarter ways to build rockets.
THE OPPORTUNITIES:
Were hiring across four key manufacturing disciplines:
- Assembly & Integration Mechanical Assembly Propulsion Mechanical Test
- Avionics & Test Electronics manufacturing electrical test debugging systems
- Composites Advanced materials resins ablatives sandwich structures
- Machining CNC programming precision manufacturing GD&T
In your application please indicate which discipline(s) align with your experience and interests.
SCHEDULE:
- 4-Day Week (MonThurs) Late Start Long Weekends Every Week
- Hours: 3:00 PM 1:30 AM
YOULL GET TO:
- Own & Ship:
- Become the expert on products you help build and launch
- Help teams hit production goals while maintaining quality
- Improve existing products and support new designs
- Solve & Fix:
- Investigate why things fail and implement fixes
- Make calls on whether parts meet flight standards using engineering analysis
- Connect production quality and design teams to solve problems fast
- Build & Improve:
- Write clear procedures so production runs smoothly every time
- Design reliable hardware and test setups
- Create test methods for critical systems
- Use Lean/Six Sigma to make things better and faster
- Lead & Scale:
- Review designs to make sure theyre easy to build and test
- Help launch new products to the factory floor
- Identify equipment needs and build the business case
- Set up better systems for planning quality tracking and data
- Grow & Deliver:
- Mentor technicians and newer engineers
- Break big projects into manageable pieces and ship them
- Run your own projects with minimal oversight
- Document wins and lessons learned for the team
YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Core requirements (all disciplines):
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Electrical Mechatronics Computer Engineering Chemical Engineering Material Science or similar
- 0-5 years of technical experience in a Manufacturing Production or Process Engineering environment
- Hands-on experience solving problems in complex manufacturing systems
- Ability to effectively deliver on complex assignments with autonomy
- Foundational knowledge in complex manufacturing processes
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal
- Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced evolving environment
Additional discipline-specific experience (one or more of):
- Avionics & Test:Debugging electro-mechanical systems understanding of instrumentation and sensors
- Composites:Knowledge of advanced composites materials tooling and manufacturing processes
- Machining:GD&T and inspection methods CAM software for 3 and 5-axis CNC machines 2 years machine shop experience
- Assembly & Integration:Experience with mechanical assembly integration or test processes
BONUS POINTS FOR:
- Experience in aerospace defense or high-reliability manufacturing
- Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma knowledge
- Cross-discipline manufacturing exposure
- Experience with ERP/PLM Systems (Siemens Team Center Infor LN)
- Knowledge of production quality metrics
- Experience with environmental and production acceptance testing (vibration shock thermal vacuum)
- Understanding of instrumentation interfaces and sensors (power supplies oscilloscopes serial devices accelerometers thermocouples RTDs 4-20mA sensors)
EXPECTATIONS
- Provide solutions and ideas when faced with engineering challenges
- Share knowledge on effectiveness of theories and concepts
- Navigate and complete daily tasks within technical systems
- Create and improve technical documentation
- Communicate effectively with peers and contribute to team objectives
- Demonstrate professionalism punctuality and adherence to company policies
- Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed at all times
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Domestic and international travel may be required
- Additional duties as reasonably required
- Adherence to company policies and procedures is expected
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.
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.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components.