Lead, Quality Engineer - Space Systems

Overview

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.

The role title is Lead, Quality Engineer – Space Systems. Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, this position is responsible for overseeing the introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions related to both Satellites and Avionics modules for Rocket engines. The role supports the Quality Manager and Production and Engineering Organizations with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors and investors.

• Develop and implement Quality Control Processes and Standards.
• Lead, facilitate, and participate in root cause investigations.
• Identify and prioritize Risk to Mission Success.
• Identify and categorize quality problems that are impacting the company’s ability to deliver conforming hardware on schedule.
• Ensure adherence to QMS policy and procedures within their work center and creation of procedures when needed.
• Efficiently communicate status of evaluation and disposition to leadership.
• Lead and coordinate management of non-conforming hardware, including ticket dispositions, analysis, and improvement projects.
• Lead cost saving initiatives, especially related to product yield.
• Contribute to design reviews to reduce quality risk and time lost due to non-conformances.
• Lead a team of Quality engineers through development and improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, industrial, material sciences engineering, or similar engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as a quality engineer in aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on quality and testing experience.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, PFMEA, Control Plans, or various problem-solving approaches.
• Experience in a leadership position.

• Advanced engineering degree (preferably Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical).
• Systems Engineering or Reliability knowledge.
• Experience overseeing developing and introducing new products to production.
• Proven track record of year-on-year product and process improvement activities.
• Conducted process and design FMEAs (FMEA).
• Track record of leveraging new technologies to develop shop floor solutions.
• Propulsion manufacturing experience and testing highly desirable.
• Experience supporting production of complex, mechanical, or composites systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components.
• Experience with assembly and testing of turbo machinery and combustion devices.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top-tier medical HMO, PPO and a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays…