Manufacturing Engineer I​/II

Overview

About the Role at 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 to open access space. The Space Systems team designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars and for collaborations with NASA and other agencies. The Manufacturing Engineer I/II role focuses on developing, implementing and continuously improving manufacturing processes for aerospace components at the Silver Spring, Maryland facility, which manufactures satellite mechanisms including separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables.

Note:

This role can be hired at 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
• 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

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 5+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer
• Solidworks or NX CAD software proficiency
• Siemens Teamcenter PLM & Infor LN ERP software proficiency
• Experience with aerospace industry
• Experience with common abrasion-resistant aluminum and steel surface treatments
• Involvement with non-conformance investigations to determine root cause and CAPAs

• 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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab, including equity and a benefits package with medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, and more.

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $72,000—$110,000 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 deem impossible. We pride ourselves on collaboration, supporting each other, and delivering on tight deadlines.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations. ITAR disclosure requirements apply.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations should contact the provided recruiter resource. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: background checks will be undertaken prior to offers, including nationality checks related to access to regulated data under ITAR.