Senior Manufacturing Engineer I​/II - Assembly, Integration and Test

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, missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft that support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II, specializing in Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT), you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful production, assembly, and testing of Rocket Lab's cutting‑edge spacecraft.

This role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, hands‑on experience with complex systems, and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including design, production, quality, and test engineering, to ensure the delivery of high‑quality products on time and within budget.

• Prepare feasibility studies and conduct manufacturing technology R&D projects
• Partner with Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into our products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale
• Engineer and deliver our factories – design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processes
• Support Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate the production ramp up
• Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiency
• Triage and diagnose failures, conduct deep technical investigations and determine the right path forward including risk mitigation actions and root‑cause resolution
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve complex issues
• Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test and integration
• Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changes
• Support business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency

(This position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level II)

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems.

• Master's degree in the related engineering field.
• Experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Familiarity with composite materials and structures.
• Hands‑on experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing.
• Experi…