Quality Engineer II - Reaction Wheels

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 rocket has 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defence sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

QUALITY ENGINEER II – REACTION WHEELS

Based on-site at our Auckland, NZ facility the Quality Engineer II – Reaction Wheels we are looking for is an experienced engineer with a keen eye for detail and relentless pursuit for continuous improvement. Someone with Quality Engineering and troubleshooting experience, who embraces challenges and can work with a team to improve overall quality performance. If you have a passion for aerospace and a track record of maintaining the highest quality standards in a fast-paced environment, you might be the Quality Engineer we are searching for.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Running Non-Conformance reports and working with manufacturing engineers to perform root cause investigations and implementation of appropriate containment and corrective actions.
• Identifying processes failures and manage root causes of non-conformances.
• Implement and maintain QMS in accordance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Compliance and Audits: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the QMS.
• Create and manage comprehensive documentation for QMS processes, procedures, and policies if needed.
• Deploying PFMEA tools, techniques & training to support targeted improvement actions.
• Driving the continuous improvement and product quality of Composite and Metallic structure and mechanical assemblies.
• Creation of internal and external quality control plans; specifically quality standards, processes and procedures.
• Creation of internal Engineering Change Requests to support improved manufacturability of parts.
• Provide strong focus on quality improvement at source and driving cost reduction opportunities.
• Working internally and with suppliers to introduce new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP processes).

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management, or a related field.
• 2 + years of hands-on experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of quality management principles and methodologies (e.g., ISO standards, AS9100, Lean, Six Sigma).
• Experience with composites and mechanical assemblies including lamination, bonding, drilling, fastening, etc.
• Understanding of GD&T and interpretation of technical drawings and specifications.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 4+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing environments.
• Advanced certifications in Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, CQE etc.
• AS9100 Certified Lead Auditor or equivalent certification.
• Experience with metrology using laser tracker type systems. Added advantage for experience with Hexagon systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively across all levels of an organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to implement company-wide initiatives effectively.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. 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 our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here