Machining & Process Improvement Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer I – Machining

• Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
• Select, procure, and install machine shop equipment and develop maintenance/calibration plans.
• Develop machining capability in‑house for the 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.
• Lead continuous‑improvement and cost reduction projects belonging to the fabrication department.
• Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for general alignment, capability, and support.
• Develop and mentor less‑experienced engineers and machinists daily.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• Hands‑on experience in a machine shop.
• Familiarity with CAM software and 5‑axis CNC equipment.
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.

Nice‑to‑have:

• Experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
• 5+ 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, AM and welding.

• Contribute to design reviews, acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity assessment, supplier capability, quality control, etc.
• Perform initial value stream mapping exercises, method of manufacture plans, cell design.
• Implement factory layouts, equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements, and supervisor signoffs.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, lead problem containment and root cause & corrective action investigations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment to improve quality, delivery, and/or cost performance.
• Lead continuous‑improvement processes in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems.
• Lead a team of manufacturing engineers through development and production initiatives.

Required qualifications:

• 4‑year engineering degree (preferably in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or aerospace).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for aerospace materials.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership position.

Nice‑to‑have:

• Advanced engineering degree (preferably in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or aerospace).
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components.
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbo machinery and combustion devices.
• Experience designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area.
• Experience with TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and precision cleaning.
• Experience transitioning products from design to production in a fast‑paced, iterative design environment.
• Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA/DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products.

• Coach, mentor, and develop engineers to achieve new heights in their careers.
• Perform weekly, quarterly, and yearly reviews with direct employees.
• Interview and hire candidates to fill new roles.
• Create team goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement projects.
• Lead and organize meetings as necessary to drive project completion.
• Contribute to design reviews, acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions.
• Perform initial value stream mapping exercises, method…