Senior Manufacturing Engineer I​/II - TPA

Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II – TPA

Long Beach, CA

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.

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the development of new products and product revisions as related to both Rutherford and Archimedes engines. This role will have primary responsibility over the turbopump assembly for the Archimedes engine and will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and the Production organization, delivering to internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

(Please note – this position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer II level)

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
• Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects.
• Collaborate with propulsion assembly technicians for general alignment, capability, and support.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials.

• Advanced engineering degree.
• Experience with design, testing and development of turbopumps or similar turbo machinery.
• Experience contributing to and steering design reviews and providing technical expertise in support of design for manufacture, test, and assembly.
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods.
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed.
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision.
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed.
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $115,000 – $175,000 USD

Benefits:
Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision…