Materials and Process Engineer

Materials and Process Engineer I

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Materials and Process Engineer I will own the development, qualification, implementation, and continuous improvement of existing and new testing methods to support materials characterization and qualification efforts for Neutron and the Archimedes engine. You will support Design, Manufacturing, and Production Teams to properly test and qualify materials and manufacturing processes for Neutron and the Archimedes engine.

• Rapidly learn and become the subject matter expert on new or unfamiliar test equipment and systems using first principles understanding
• Develop, qualify, and document new or improved test processes, design/manufacture fixtures, create work instructions and training materials, train technicians, and successfully transition processes from development into routine production lab operations
• Own and develop test coupon geometries for in‑house materials testing
• Drive process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing the speed or repeatability and reliability of current test methods
• Serve as the technical trainer and mentor to lab technicians, teaching the fundamental scientific principles behind test methods and best practices for execution
• Perform root cause investigations on materials and components using laboratory methods and equipment to determine failure modes and root causes, and draw accurate conclusions regarding material behavior, failure mechanisms, and recommendations for material selection and design improvements
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (design, manufacturing, quality) to understand testing requirements and deliver high-value, actionable data in support of the Neutron Program
• Develop and implement engineering controls, calibration procedures, and quality systems to ensure consistent, accurate, and traceable data output from all lab areas
• Support qualification testing of conventional and new materials and processes
• Perform and support metallographic and mechanical testing for material characterization
• Present data and findings to a multi-disciplinary audience that may include senior leadership

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Materials, Aerospace, Manufacturing or similar)
• 1+ years of professional experience working in a materials testing or characterization laboratory with an emphasis in metal additive manufacturing
• Hands‑on experience with at least one of the following areas: mechanical testing, metallography, or advanced materials characterization techniques

• Master's degree in engineering (Materials, Aerospace, Manufacturing or similar)
• Strong understanding of materials testing standards (ASTM, ISO, etc.) and statistical methods for data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on test data, equipment issues, or process deviations
• Experience training or mentoring lab technicians or specialists
• Hands‑on experience with equipment such as tensile/compression/fatigue testers/ Optical and electron microscopes
• Experience developing, qualifying, and documenting new laboratory test methods or processes
• Knowledge of aerospace metals including Nickel/Copper/Titanium/Iron/Aluminum based alloys
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting blueprints, machine drawings, 2‑D drawings, CAD drawings and material callouts and/or material processing note
• Strong technical skills in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to travel and be willing to work off‑site as needed for assignments

• 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 salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust…