Supplier Quality Engineer I @ Rocket Lab USA

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I - MECHANICAL

Based out of Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Supplier Quality Engineer I - Mechanical is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (mechanical components), services & processes are achieved. Working as a liaison between our internal customers and suppliers you are a critical conduit for translating technical requirements into easy and clear specifications that suppliers can achieve. Your exceptional communication and negotiation skills will encourage suppliers to strive for improvement, implement more robust quality processes and drive cost reduction, process efficiency whilst enabling smooth management of the sometimes conflicting priorities between customers & suppliers. The role will also include creation of non-conformance reports, performing supplier audits, managing supplier concessions, and identifying opportunities for improvement to reduce risk, cost, or lead time to Rocket Lab.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Establish fundamental Supplier Quality systems and processes to drive the business forward
Generate metrics and tools to enhance visibility of supplier performance
Continuous improvement of purchased product quality
Performing on site and remote supplier audits
Creation of internal and external quality control plans
Creation of quality standards, processes, and procedures
Creation of Non-Conformance reports and CAPA management
Performing quality investigations
Identifying processes failures at suppliers
Drive to understand root causes and ensure implementation of corrective actions
Deploying PFMEA tools, techniques & training to support targeted improvement actions
Support suppliers with scaling up their production processes to achieve the future quality cost and delivery targets
Follow-up & verify corrective action implementations and audit findings
Strong focus on quality improvement at source and driving cost reduction opportunities
Working with suppliers to introduce new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP)
Liaise between suppliers, development, production, and senior management
Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed at both Rocket Lab and supplier sites

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I - MECHANICAL:

Experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Exposure to regulatory standards such as AS9100, IS09001, ISO13485, IATF 16949
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge
Fabrication, CNC, and 3D printing knowledge
Experience developing KPI’s for performance reporting
Practical experience leading and investigating quality related issues
Experience with Root cause Investigations, Practical Problem solving, 8D’s, 5 Why’s, Fishbone diagrams, Ishikawa and/or similar problem-solving tools
The ability to interpret engineering drawings and geometric dimensions
Experience leading and managing projects
Experience successfully developing and introducing new products to production
Experience with a wide range of specialized technical manufacturing processes
Lean/six sigma experience
NPI/APQP/PPAP experience
Understanding of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), Gauge R&R

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$65,000—$97,000 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 here.

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 Biow at [email protected].This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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 ITAR Regulations.

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth