Full-Time

Manufacturing Engineer 2 / Senior 1

Fluids

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Launch services and spacecraft components provider

Compensation Overview

$100k - $158k/yr

No H1B Sponsorship

Long Beach, CA, USA

In Person

US Citizenship Required

Bachelor's

Category
Manufacturing & Process Engineering
Required Skills
Welding
ERP
Six Sigma
Assembly
Data Analysis

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering discipline is required.
  • For the Manufacturing Engineer II level, at least 2 years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing, and cleaning are required.
  • For the Senior Manufacturing Engineer I level, at least 5 years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing, and cleaning are required.
  • Experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area is required.
  • The position requires working knowledge of additive manufacturing, machining, welding, assembly, integration, tooling, testing, and quality techniques.
Responsibilities
  • Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components according to aerospace specifications.
  • Use TIG, MIG, OTW, and other welding methods to achieve the required structural integrity.
  • Inspect welded components using NDE/NDT methods to identify and correct defects.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.
  • Lead problem containment and root-cause/corrective-action investigations when required.
  • Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
  • Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements.
  • Act as a liaison between production, quality, supply chain, and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes.
  • Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparing business cases.
  • Lead continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma tools and techniques.
  • Develop, introduce, and maintain planning, production, quality, enterprise resource planning, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist.
Desired Qualifications
  • At least 8 years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing, and cleaning.
  • Ability to create and deliver accurate and concise presentations for design, manufacturing, and quality.
  • Strong knowledge of metalworking and fabrication processes.
  • Experience designing tooling in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to solve complex problems with little to no supervision in a timely manner.
  • Adaptability in an exciting, dynamic, and evolving environment.

Rocket Lab USA provides end-to-end space services including launch, spacecraft components, and mission support for government, defense, and commercial customers. Its Electron small-lift launcher delivers dedicated missions for small satellites, using carbon composite structures and 3D-printed Rutherford engines for high launch frequency. The Space Systems unit makes spacecraft components and the Photon satellite bus, and the company is developing Neutron for larger constellations and interplanetary missions, as well as HASTE for hypersonic tech tests. By combining in-house launch and hardware with strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab offers integrated mission solutions to reduce risk and complexity, aiming to make space missions faster, more reliable, and more accessible.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Rocket Lab launched its 16th Electron mission on September 11, 2026, sustaining cadence.
  • Q2 2026 revenue reached $234 million; backlog hit $2.36 billion with 90-plus launches.
  • IMM Apex began production September 8, 2026, delivering 31.5% efficiency and 40% lower mass.

What critics are saying

  • SpaceX’s August 27 FCC objection can delay Iridium approvals past the September 24 vote.
  • Neutron’s first flight slipped to Q4 2026 after a tank crack; 2027 follows.
  • $1.944 billion ATM diluted holders, while CFO Spice and COO Klein sold shares.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Electron reached 95 orbital missions by September 11, 2026, making routine launches.
  • Rocket Lab sells rockets, spacecraft, and solar cells; IMM Apex shipped September 8, 2026.
  • Iridium acquisition adds spectrum, 2.5 million subscribers, and defense connectivity if closed mid-2027.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

-3%
Yahoo Finance
Sep 15th, 2026
Rocket Lab raises $1.94B in equity sale to finance $8B Iridium acquisition

Rocket Lab USA shares rose approximately 3% in early Tuesday trading after completing an equity sale that raised $1.944 billion in gross proceeds. The company sold 29.3 million shares through an at-the-market programme to fund its planned acquisition of Iridium Communications. The proceeds will cover the cash component of the transaction, with remaining funds allocated for growth initiatives and general corporate purposes. Rocket Lab also provided an unsecured guarantee for Iridium's amended $1.775 billion term loan and terminated a previously arranged $3.6 billion bridge financing commitment. Rocket Lab agreed in June to acquire Iridium in a cash-and-stock deal valuing the satellite operator at approximately $8 billion, or $54 per share. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027 and will expand Rocket Lab's operations beyond launch services and spacecraft production into satellite network operations.

Asianet News
Sep 9th, 2026
RKLB stock extends gains overnight: Cathie Wood's ARK adds to Rocket Lab stake on new space solar catalyst.

RKLB stock extends gains overnight: Cathie Wood's ARK adds to Rocket Lab stake on new space solar catalyst. Published: Sep 09 2026, 12:10 PM IST * FB * TW * Linkdin * Whatsapp * GNFollow Us Cathie Wood's ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. * The latest purchase followed ARK's acquisition of 705,102 RKLB shares worth $44.4 million across three ETFs over two days earlier this month. * Rocket Lab unveiled IMM Apex, a germanium-free space solar cell offering 31.5% beginning-of-life efficiency and 40% lower mass. * Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission last week and has 16 more Synspective launches booked through 2030. Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares rose 4% overnight heading into Wednesday after Cathie Wood's ARK Investment Management added to its position, while the space company launched a lighter, germanium-free solar cell designed to reduce exposure to critical-mineral shortages. RKLB stock jumped 3% on Tuesday and added another 2% in the after-hours session. Cathie Wood's ARK buys more RKLB shares. The ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. The purchase follows heavier buying earlier this month. ARK acquired 705,102 Rocket Lab shares over two days, worth about $44.4 million, across the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and ARKX. Rocket Lab unveils germanium-free solar cell. Rocket Lab's new IMM Apex space solar cell offers 31.5% beginning-of-life conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, providing what the company called best-in-class power per kilogram. Unlike conventional multi-junction cells, IMM Apex eliminates germanium substrates, reducing exposure to rising costs and supply constraints. It is also a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for legacy cells, allowing customers to adopt it without significant retooling. "With IMM Apex, customers gain access to a high-efficiency, lightweight, germanium-free product that combines proven reliability with faster production times," Rocket Lab USA President Brad Clevenger said. "IMM Apex is designed to more cost-effectively power the most ambitious missions without compromising performance," he added. Rocket Lab said the cell is available immediately, with manufacturing capacity in the multi-100-kilowatt range. The underlying tech powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and has operated in orbit for more than a decade. Rocket Lab's solar products currently power more than 1,100 satellites and have supported the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. Rocket Lab advances launch and defense programs. Last week, Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission and 15th launch of 2026, deploying a StriX Earth-imaging satellite for Synspective. It was Rocket Lab's 11th dedicated mission for the Japanese radar-imaging company, with a 100% success rate across those flights. Another 16 Synspective missions are booked through 2030. Rocket Lab also passed the preliminary design review for 18 satellites it is building for the U.S. Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 constellation, calling the milestone a "big step forward" toward delivering missile-warning and defense capabilities for the U.S. and its allies. How do retail traders feel about RKLB? On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for RKLB slipped to 'bearish' from 'neutral' levels a week ago amid a 369% jump in 24-hour message volumes. One bullish user said, "$RKLB bought 500 shares of this back in 2024 when it was at $9 and sold in the $20's and I regretted it. I repurchased 1k shares last week at $59 and ain't selling till we are at $150" View this Stocktwits post Another user said, "$RKLB $SPCX waiting for a pump in this sector. Feels soon, definitely before the end of this month" View this Stocktwits post Stay updated with all the latest Business News, including market trends, Share Market News, stock updates, taxation, IPOs, banking, finance, real estate, savings, and investments. Track daily Gold Price changes, updates on DA Hike, and the latest developments on the 8th Pay Commission. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates to make informed financial decisions. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store to stay ahead in business. 0 Comments / 0 New

Associated Press
Sep 8th, 2026
Rocket Lab launches germanium-free solar cell with 31.5% efficiency and 40% lower mass

Rocket Lab has released IMM Apex, a new solar cell for space applications that eliminates reliance on germanium, a supply-constrained critical mineral used in conventional multi-junction solar cells for three decades. The cell offers 31.5% solar conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, delivering best-in-class specific power whilst maintaining radiation hardness. IMM Apex is a drop-in replacement for existing germanium-based products, allowing integration without major retooling investments. The technology builds on Rocket Lab's IMM cells, which powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and have been operational on satellites for over a decade. Rocket Lab has provided solar technology to programmes including the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. More than 1,100 satellites currently orbit using Rocket Lab solar products.

Yahoo Finance
Sep 6th, 2026
Rocket Lab CFO sells 140,000 shares worth $8.8M after 28% one-year return

Rocket Lab CFO Adam C. Spice sold 140,157 shares on 2 September 2026 for approximately $8.8 million, according to an SEC filing. The transaction followed the exercise of stock options at a strike price of $1.09 per share, which were immediately sold at a weighted average price of $62.63. Following the sale, Spice retains approximately 1.4 million shares valued at around $90.3 million, consisting of 1.2 million directly held shares and 250,000 held through a trust. The executive also maintains 2.4 million derivative securities, including vested and unvested awards. Rocket Lab shares closed at $63.10 on the transaction date, delivering a 28% one-year return. The aerospace company, which provides launch services and spacecraft manufacturing, reported trailing twelve-month revenue of $769.1 million.

Foreign Policy Journal
Sep 6th, 2026
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock could surge another 75% as Neutron launches and profitability drive long-term value.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stock could surge another 75% as Neutron launches and profitability drive long-term value. Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB) has already delivered staggering returns for early investors, and analysts believe the next five years could bring similarly impressive gains. The company's stock climbed 560% over the past five years, a performance that has drawn significant attention from growth-oriented investors looking at the commercial space sector. Despite that remarkable run-up, the bull case for Rocket Lab remains intact, supported by a growing backlog, expanding revenues, and a clear path toward profitability. Rocket Lab's sales rose 62% in the second quarter ended June 30, reaching $234 million, a figure that underscores the company's accelerating commercial momentum. The company already has at least seven Neutron-specific commercial launches booked in its backlog through 2029, with additional government defense contracts likely to supplement that pipeline. Neutron, Rocket Lab's medium-lift rocket currently under development, represents the company's most significant growth lever and a direct push into higher-value launch markets. Rocket Lab is not yet profitable, but the company is expected to post its first profit in 2028, after which analysts anticipate rapid earnings growth. At its current market capitalization of approximately $40 billion, Rocket Lab trades at a substantial premium relative to near-term revenues, a valuation that demands continued execution on its launch and defense ambitions. One projection places a reasonable five-year valuation target at around $70 billion, roughly 75% above the company's current market cap, should growth trajectories hold firm. That forecast implies a $10,000 investment made today could be worth approximately $17,500 within five years, though no outcome in equity markets carries any guarantee. Investor risk remains real and multifaceted, ranging from potential launch failures that could shake market confidence to broader competitive pressures in the rapidly evolving commercial space industry. The company's ability to scale Neutron launches, maintain its Electron smallsat business, and convert backlog into recognized revenue will be the central variables determining whether the bull case materializes. For investors with a high risk tolerance and a multi-year time horizon, Rocket Lab continues to represent one of the more compelling pure-play opportunities in the commercial space economy.