Manufacturing Engineer II​/Senior - Machining

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 to 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.

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing teams are the builders and the doers who work with advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware, and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

We are currently seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a focus in Machining based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The role will involve machining development of new products and product revisions related to the Rutherford engine (currently in use on the 2nd most frequently launched US rocket), and the Archimedes engine where you will have an opportunity to be part of a novel rocket engine build.

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
• Select, procure, and install machine shop equipment along with developing maintenance and calibration plans.
• Develop machining capability in-house for Archimedes components and implement rapid iterations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment to improve quality, delivery, and/or cost performance.
• Be responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects within the fabrication department.
• Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for general alignment, capability, and support.
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and machinist daily.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• 2+ years of machine shop experience.
• Experience with CAM software and 3- and 5-axis CNC equipment.
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of machine shop experience.
• Experience with CAM software and 3- and 5-axis CNC equipment.
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.

• Experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping.
• 8+ years of machine shop experience.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience machining turbo machinery and combustion device components.
• Familiarity with post-processing methods, additive manufacturing, and welding.
• NX CAM programming and operation of 5-axis CNC machining.

• Specific vision abilities including 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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,000 — $155,000 USD

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & 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 per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan…