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 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 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, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds a line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. They set up the assembly kits that enable technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, oversee shipping and receiving, handle direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all materials and products are compliant and up to standard.

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

• 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.
• Support prioritization and expediting of sub‑assemblies to support the integration timeline.
• Ensure 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 as assigned by your manager relevant to your role.

• Minimum 2 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent total work experience (≥ 6 years).
• 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 with MRP systems.
• Proficient with MS Office, ERP systems, math and statistics.

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

• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate computer, keyboard, and office equipment.
• Clear vision for reading documents, viewing computer screens, and distinguishing details at varying distances.
• Professional verbal and written communication with team members, management, and external stakeholders.
• Mobility to move between buildings, attend meetings, and access different work areas.
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing environments with moderate noise levels, dust, and fumes.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $72,000 – $90,000 USD

Benefits include a robust rewards package: medical HMO and PPO, 100% company‑sponsored health savings account, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11…