SPACE SYSTEMS  

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar. 

Quality Engineer II / Senior Quality Engineer – Avionics 

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Quality Engineer II / Senior Quality Engineer – Avionics is responsible for managing and resolving quality issues and meeting strict delivery targets during development, production line commissioning, and continuous production. You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

The Quality Engineer II / Senior Quality Engineer - Avionics will also provide guidance and support on quality requirements to Rocket Lab Space Systems division through design, prototype, and development of a product line production plan for Photon satellite systems, subsystems, and components.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Develop and implement new Quality Control Processes and Standards.
• Lead, facilitate, and participate in root cause investigations.
• Ensure adherence to QMS policy and procedures within their work center.
• Efficiently communicate status of evaluation and disposition to leadership.
• Lead and coordinate management of non-conforming hardware, including ticket dispositions, analysis, and improvement projects.
• Lead cost saving initiatives, especially related to product yield.
• Contribute to design reviews to reduce quality defects and time lost due to non-conformances.

(This position can be hired as a Quality Engineer II or Senior Quality Engineer)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A QUALITY ENGINEER II:   

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, manufacturing, aerospace, industrial, material sciences engineering, or similar engineering discipline  
• 2+ years of experience as a quality engineer in an avionics, electrical or electrical/mechanical focused manufacturing environment
• Familiar with quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, or various problem-solving approaches. 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER:   

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, manufacturing, aerospace, industrial, material sciences engineering, or similar engineering discipline  
• 5+ years of experience as a quality engineer in an avionics, electrical or electrical/mechanical focused manufacturing environment
• Hands-on quality and testing experience
• Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, or various problem-solving approaches. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• GD&T Knowledge
• Experience successfully designing, developing, and introducing new product(s) to production.
• Proven track record of year-on-year product and process improvement activities.
• Conducted both process and design failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
• Track record of leveraging new technologies to develop real shop floor solutions.
• Spacecraft and/or satellite manufacturing experience and testing highly desirable.
• Experience supporting production of complex electro-mechanical, mechanical, or composites systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up

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.