Supplier Quality Engineer II​/Senior - Machining

Supplier Quality Engineer II / Senior – Machining

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

• Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned parts and assemblies, solving emergent supplier quality challenges and mitigating risk to the manifest.
• Own production components and assemblies end-to-end – driving improvements in manufacturing methods, identifying new suppliers, and developing 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 forming, cutting, and 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.

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

• Minimum 2 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.

• Minimum 5 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.

• CNC machining operations: milling, turning, 5‑axis machining, fixturing/setup practices, tool & die fundamentals, and the ability to review machining routings and process plans.
• Engineering drawings and GD&T per ASME Y14.5, particularly in a machined‑components context.
• Propulsion/fluid system component knowledge: pressure hardware, seal faces, fluid interfaces, and associated manufacturing processes (extrusions, seamless/welded tubing, forming, welding, proof/pressure testing).
• Surface finish requirements and their relationship to functional performance – sealing surfaces, fluid interfaces, bearing fits.
• Thread standards and inspection methods (unified, metric, pipe) for fluid system applications.
• Cleanliness and FOD control requirements for propulsion fluid system hardware.
• Welding familiarity: TIG, MIG, and orbital tube welding of stainless and carbon steels.
• Stainless steel grade experience (300 series, 17‑4, 15‑5) – machinability, weldability, and corrosion considerations.
• Sheet metal forming familiarity: press brake, hydro forming, and tube bending in stainless and carbon steels.

• 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, process capability (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.