Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

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 work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for large constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds a wide range 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.

Location:

Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex production facility, Middle River, MD.

• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout definitions to meet volume requirements, including preparation of business cases.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor sign‑offs.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment when required to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost requirements.
• Actively contribute to facility construction projects, including requirements generation, design reviews and implementation support.
• Contribute to design reviews in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, and quality control.
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure.
• Lead problem containment and structured root‑cause and corrective‑action investigations.
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non‑conformances.
• Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems.
• Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or similar discipline).
• Hands‑on composite manufacturing experience.

• Experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience in Automated Fiber Placement technology.
• Experience with both Autoclave and Out‑of‑Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with Non‑Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components.
• Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

$80,000 – $95,000 USD

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up sleeves on all tasks big and small.

We thrive under pressure and work toward tight deadlines, with a focus on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations,…