Senior Manufacturing Engineer I

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

Rocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and precision mechanisms that enable the most ambitious space missions including NASAs Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers. Leveraging Mars-proven expertise from Motiv Space Systems we deliver scalable flight-proven solutions such as robotic arms motion control systems and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) to support planetary exploration satellite servicing and national security missions.

We are currently seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I to be based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena CA. The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for the development implementation and continuous improvement of manufacturing technologies build processes work instructions tooling and production systems used to assemble integrate test and scale robotics and electromechanical hardware.

You will work closely with design engineering production quality supply chain and highly skilled technicians to translate designs into efficient repeatable and well-documented manufacturing processes. Youll play a critical role in supporting all aspects of production at Rocket Lab Robotics by taking ownership of products released to production removing production blockers dispositioning issue tickets performing root-cause analysis and implementing corrective actions. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on problem solving rapid iteration and building the processes that enable complex robotics hardware to move from prototype through production.

• Plan and execute the build integration and test of robotics systems electromechanical assemblies tooling fixtures and related production hardware.
• Review fabrication and assembly documentation for flight and production hardware providing manufacturability feedback to improve build efficiency reduce risk and optimize cost without compromising quality or performance.
• Develop concepts of operations manufacturing plans and build strategies for robotic mechanisms automation equipment and integrated modules.
• Design develop and drive build of production tooling fixtures handling equipment and test setups that improve safety quality throughput and repeatability.
• Develop build methods to increase throughput reduce opportunities for error simplify technician workflows and improve manufacturability.
• Support robotics integration and production teams in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of assembly inspection repair/retrofit integration and system test procedures.
• Collect document and communicate lessons learned from builds to design engineering manufacturing quality and production teams.
• Develop and maintain clear work instructions travelers test procedures and visual aids to ensure effective communication between engineering and technicians.
• Oversee the creation maintenance and accuracy of production travelers and manufacturing documentation to ensure traceability quality compliance and efficient execution of manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to develop and own build procedures; document non-conformances and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
• Maintain integrated planning and build documents that reflect current hardware configurations work scope priorities and production readiness.
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable robotics processing assembly checkout and required testing capabilities.
• Support development buildout and continuous improvement of robotics production areas labs and manufacturing processes.
• Closely collaborate with management peers from other departments and highly skilled technicians on daily production and development activities.
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus on common project goals schedule quality and safety.
• Identify and mitigate risks tied to shortages late drawing release process planning gaps and supply constraints

• Bachelor of Science degree in industrial mechanical aerospace manufacturing robotics or related engineering discipline.
• 5 years of experience building testing or supporting hardware in aerospace robotics automation automotive medical device defense or another high-reliability manufacturing environment. Internships and school projects qualify.
• Demonstrated proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings blueprints schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Well versed in (ASME Y14.5) GD&T and inspection methods.
• Demonstrated ability to model with 3D CAD (Solidworks preferred) produce prints interpret drawings and work with assemblies or integrated hardware.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes work instructions tooling fixtures or test procedures for complex hardware.
• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary teams across mechanical electrical controls software quality production and supply chain functions.

• 2 years of machine shop experience with strong understanding of machining methods and techniques
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive work instructions build documentation and test procedures for robotics automation or electromechanical hardware.
• Experience working directly with complex hardware and subsystems such as robotic mechanisms motion systems sensors actuators electrical assemblies controls hardware tooling or production equipment.
• Experience supporting build and test of complex assemblies at the system and sub-system level.
• Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly root cause analysis non-conformance disposition and continuous improvement.
• Experience with CAM Software and CNC Equipment.
• Familiarity with post processing methods.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects or process improvements that led to successful outcomes.
• Experience working in a fast-paced development prototype NPI or rapid-growth manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in ESD & clean environments
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems JIRA or other issue tracking systems and production readiness metrics.
• Familiarity with wire harnessing

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.