Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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.

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I/II ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT):

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II specializing in Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful production assembly and testing of Rocket Labs cutting-edge spacecraft.

This role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles hands-on experience with complex systems and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including design production quality and test engineering to ensure the delivery of high-quality products on time and within budget.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Prepare feasibility studies conduct manufacturing technology Research and Development projects
• Partner with our Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into our products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale
• Engineer and deliver our factories design procure install validate assembly test and verification processes
• Support Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate the production ramp up
• Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers improve yield and increase build efficiency
• Triage and diagnose failures conduct deep technical investigations and determine the right path forward including risk mitigation actions and root cause resolution
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to resolve complex issues
• Drive process improvements across manufacturing test and integration
• Contribute to change management assessing risk and impact of design or process changes
• Support business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency

(This position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level II)

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I - ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT):

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering Aerospace Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on assembly integration and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes tools and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks NX or CATIA) and PLM systems.

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - ASSEMBLY INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT):

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering Aerospace Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
• 8 years of experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on assembly integration and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes tools and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks NX or CATIA) and PLM systems.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters degree in the related engineering field.
• Experience in the aerospace industry particularly with launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Familiarity with composite materials and structures.
• Hands-on experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing.
• Experience with environmental testing (vibration thermal vacuum) and associated test equipment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast multifaceted environment.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting standing walking computer work and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise dust and fumes in production areas.

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.