Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems will develop, implement, and continuously improve the propulsion component, assembly, and integration manufacturing process through strong working knowledge of additive manufacturing, machining, welding, assembly, integration, tooling, test, and quality techniques.

Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components according to aerospace specifications.

Utilize TIG, MIG, OTW and other welding methods to achieve the required structural integrity.

Conduct thorough inspections of welded components, employing NDE/NDT methods to identify and rectify defects.

Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.

When required, lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations

Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances

Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements

Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes

Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases

Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques

Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline

5+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning

Experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area

8+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning

Ability to create and deliver accurate and concise presentations for design, manufacturing, and quality

Strong knowledge of metal working and fabrication processes

Experience designing tooling in an aerospace manufacturing environment

Hands-on with a passion for continuous improvement and building the best hardware

Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision in a timely manner

Adaptable and comfortable in an exciting, dynamic and ever-evolving environment

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price…