Supplier Quality Engineer II​/Senior - Mechanical

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 rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Space Systems designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you are interested in joining a high-performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean-sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (mechanical components), services and processes are achieved for our Neutron launch vehicle. Working as a liaison between internal customers and suppliers, you translate technical requirements into clear specifications that suppliers can achieve. Strong communication and negotiation skills will drive supplier improvement, robust quality processes, cost reduction, and process efficiency while managing competing priorities between customers and suppliers.

The role includes creation of non-conformance reports, performing supplier audits, managing supplier concessions, and identifying opportunities for improvement to reduce risk, cost, or lead time to Rocket Lab.

(This position can be hired as a Supplier Quality Engineer II or Senior Supplier Quality Engineer)

• Establish fundamental Supplier Quality systems and processes to drive the business forward
• Generate metrics and tools to enhance visibility of supplier performance
• Continuously improve purchased product quality
• Perform on-site and remote supplier audits
• Create internal and external quality control plans
• Create quality standards, processes, and procedures
• Create Non-Conformance reports and CAPA management
• Perform quality investigations
• Identify processes failures at suppliers
• Drive to understand root causes and ensure implementation of corrective actions
• Deploy PFMEA tools, techniques and training to support targeted improvement actions
• Support suppliers with scaling up their production processes to achieve future quality, cost, and delivery targets
• Follow-up and verify corrective action implementations and audit findings
• Focus on quality improvement at source and driving cost reduction opportunities
• Work with suppliers to introduce new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP)
• Liaise between suppliers, development, production, and senior management
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed at both Rocket Lab and supplier sites

Supplier Quality Engineer II - Mechanical — Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree, or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years total). 2+ years in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or Industrial).

Senior Supplier Quality Engineer - Mechanical — Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree, or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years…