Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more to open access space. Our Electron rocket and Space Systems business support missions across Earth observation, climate, science, and technology demonstrations.

SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II role is responsible for ensuring quality requirements for procured parts, services, and processes are achieved. You will translate technical requirements into clear specifications, drive supplier improvement, and manage competing priorities between customers and suppliers, acting as a liaison between internal design/manufacturing stakeholders and suppliers.

• Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned parts and assemblies, solving supplier quality challenges and mitigating risk to the program.
• Own production components and assemblies end-to-end — drive improvements in manufacturing methods, identify new suppliers, and develop reliable rate-ramp processes.
• Conduct DFM reviews to ensure parts are manufacturable, preferably prior to sourcing.
• Partner with procurement to vet suppliers for quality capability and takt time alignment.
• Author and flow down specifications translating Rocket Lab quality and manufacturing requirements to the supply base.
• Scope advanced depaneling (cutting), optical inspection (AOI), and X-ray inspection technologies that improve rate, quality, or efficiency.
• Drive root cause resolution on assigned part issues; implement changes at suppliers or internally and pursue re-sourcing where warranted.
• Create and disposition Nonconformance tickets; coordinate rework, repair, or use-as-is dispositions with engineering.
• Lead containment activities on assigned parts — define scope, align cross-functional stakeholders, and drive to resolution.

• Minimum 8 years' experience in a regulated industry:
  Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent.
• Prior experience in a supplier quality role.
• Proficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.

• PCB fabrication processes: lamination, drilling, plating, surface finish, and solder mask application.
• PCBA assembly processes: SMT, through-hole, selective soldering, wave soldering, and hand soldering per IPC-A-610.
• IPC standards fluency: IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/21, IPC-6012; ability to apply acceptability criteria in supplier audits and NCR disposition.
• First article and qualification processes for PCBs/PCBA including UL certification, material traceability, and layer stack-up verification.
• Test methods for electronics: ICT, flying probe, functional test, X-ray inspection, AOI, and conformal coating inspection.
• Failure analysis techniques relevant to electronics: cross-sectioning, SEM/EDS, delamination/intermetallic analysis.
• Cleanliness and contamination control requirements (ionic contamination testing, no-clean vs. wash processes).
• Understanding of component qualification and counterfeit parts mitigation (AS5553, AS6081).
• Familiarity with ESD controls, handling requirements, and MSL compliance (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033).
• Experience with electronics-specific quality systems and NADCAP Electronics accreditation.

• Structured problem-solving experience using 8D, A3, or equivalent RCA methodology.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems; exposure to NADCAP special process requirements a plus.
• Knowledge of statistical quality methods: SPC, Cp/Cpk, MSA/Gage R&R;
  Six Sigma or Lean a plus.
• Experience with PPAP and related elements: APQP, PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, FAIR.
• Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems; familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Power BI a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to share information and influence across organizational lines.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work extended hours, some nights or weekends when needed.
• Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a 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.

EEO statement:
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.