Production Planner II

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 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.

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

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enable our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard.

They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

PRODUCTION PLANNER II

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Production Planners are responsible for work order management at Rocket Lab. Production Planners interact with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Finance, to ensure they are planning and managing the production schedule, production lead times, yield management, and engineering build timelines. Production Planners ensure that the Production team has work in their queue, the correct priority, and are clear to build without blockers.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Responsible for supply and fulfilment planning within MRP for Production work orders.
• Responsible for releasing work orders to Production, and kit requests to Inventory.
• Accountable for creating visibility of material position (with line of balance reports, material shortage reports, clear to build reports, etc.).
• Responsible for supporting prioritization and expediting subassemblies to support integration timeline.
• Accountable for ensuring part master data within MRP is accurate for Production parts.
• Understand material demand and accuracy of configuration.
• Work in a cross‑functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrate ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company‑wide goals.
• Other duties asked by your manager, relevant to your role.

YOU'LL BRING THESE

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or other relevant fields and 2+ years of relatable experience, or Associate’s degree and 4+ years of relatable experience.
• Proven ability to conduct clear build reviews and expedite materials through production.
• Knowledge of Production Planning fundamentals for master data management, batch processing, and issue ticket disposition.
• Proficient in MRP systems.
• Proficient in MS Office, ERP systems, math and statistics.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Prior experience in aerospace, EV automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries.
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience with AS9100, US export controls.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.
• Experience with SQL, Python or R.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral…