Senior Production Planner I

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 rockethas 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.

Rocket Lab Robotics is developing advanced robotic and automated systems that support Rocket Lab's high-reliability manufacturing, test, and mission-enabling operations. The team brings together engineering, production, supply chain, quality, and operations to build the hardware, tooling, and integrated systems needed to move quickly from concept through production. Based in Pasadena, CA, Rocket Lab Robotics plays a critical role in helping Rocket Lab scale complex electromechanical products with speed, quality, and precision.

SENIOR PRODUCTION PLANNER I

Based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, Production Planners are responsible for work order management and production planning for robotics and electromechanical hardware. Production Planners interact with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Project Management to plan and manage production schedules, production lead times, yield management, material readiness, and engineering build timelines. Production Planners ensure the Production team has work in queue, the correct priority, and the information and materials needed to build without blockers.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Responsible for supply and fulfillment planning within MRP for robotics and electromechanical production work orders.
• Responsible for releasing work orders to Production and kit requests to Inventory.
• Accountable for creating visibility of material position for robotics builds, including line of balance reports, material shortage reports, clear-to-build reports, and related planning tools.
• Responsible for supporting prioritization and expediting subassemblies to support robotics integration and production timelines.
• Understand material demand, configuration accuracy, and build requirements for production and engineering development hardware.
• Work in a cross-functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrate the ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company-wide goals.
• Responsible for coordinating incoming inspections and ensuring timely receipt and processing of hardware.
• Perform other duties as requested by your manager, relevant to your role.

YOU'LL BRING THESE

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years total work 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 MS Office and ERP/MRP systems.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Self-starter who proactively identifies opportunities, drives work forward independently, and requires minimal direction
• Prior experience in robotics, aerospace, EV automotive, high-reliability manufacturing, or other disruptive manufacturing industries.
• Prior experience in a rapid-growth production or engineering development environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, assembly documentation, and work instructions.
• Experience supporting new product…