Supplier Quality Engineer II​/Senior – Mechanical

Overview

Supplier Quality Engineer II/Senior – Mechanical. Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the role is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (mechanical components), services & processes are achieved. You will act as a liaison between internal customers and suppliers to translate technical requirements into clear specifications and drive quality improvement, cost reduction, and process efficiency.

• Develop and implement strategies for inspecting large, complex machined components that are challenging to measure due to size, geometry, and tolerances.
• Utilize advanced measurement techniques (CMM, laser trackers, and other precision tools) to verify component quality.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to address manufacturability challenges and tolerance stack-ups.
• 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 Non-Conformance reports and manage CAPA.
• Drive root cause analysis and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Deploy PFMEA tools, techniques & training to support targeted improvements.
• Support suppliers with scaling up their production processes to meet future quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Follow up and verify corrective action implementations and audit findings.
• Focus on quality improvement at source and 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 procedures are followed at Rocket Lab and supplier sites.

These are listed separately for II and Senior levels.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, or other engineering degree.
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role.
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree.
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role.
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation.

• Exposure to composites manufacturing and material handling, layup, curing, and bonding processes.
• Exposure to regulatory standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949).
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge.
• Fabrication, CNC, and 3D printing knowledge.
• Experience developing KPIs for performance reporting.
• Root cause investigations and practical problem solving (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• Experience leading projects and bringing new products to production (NPI/APQP/PPAP).
• Lean/Six Sigma experience and broader manufacturing processes knowledge.
• MSA/Gage R&R understanding.

• Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus.
• Regularly sit, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to commute to Rocket Lab and supplier sites.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise.

Base salary range (CA): $90,000—$125,000 USD. Base salary is one component of total rewards including potential equity and a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, PTO, holidays, 401(k) with company match, etc.). Benefits eligibility varies by status; consult recruiter for details.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible for required authorizations. Equal employment opportunity:
Rocket Lab prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation may contact the designated resource at the provided email.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
Background checks may be undertaken prior to offers to ensure eligibility to access regulated equipment and data under ITAR.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Quality Assurance

• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing