Manufacturing Engineer I​/II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defence initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world‑class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

As a Manufacturing Engineer at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will be responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving manufacturing processes for aerospace components. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms; their products include separation systems, on‑orbit devices, and other electro‑mechanical deployables. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

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Please note:

This role can be hired at the Manufacturing Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer II level)

• Drive manufacturability into new and existing products using Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles
• Identify and implement quality and production efficiency improvements to aerospace mechanisms
• Identify, design and implement production tooling and automation equipment to improve quality, efficiency and cost
• Assist New Product Implementation (NPI) efforts, transitioning designs from development to production
• Implement and track manufacturing KPIs to improve production efficiency
• Develop and maintain continuous manufacturing improvement processes
• Refine and develop production procedures (work instructions) that facilitate efficient, repeatable and reliable manufacturing
• Engage in non‑conformance investigations and drive resolution via root cause analysis and CAPA determination
• Travel to other Rocket Lab facilities, suppliers, conferences, and customers.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• Experience writing and refining product manufacturing work instructions
• Experience extracting manufacturing KPIs to improve quality and efficiency
• Experience with FMEAs, process mapping, time studies, and process improvement techniques
• Capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 2+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer
• Experience writing and refining product manufacturing work instructions
• Exper…