Senior 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 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

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 defense 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

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I/II

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!

(Please note: This role can be hired at the Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer II level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• 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.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 5+ 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 8+ 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 10+ 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

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

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

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$100,000—$155,000 USD

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