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!
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.
Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.
QUALITY ENGINEER II / SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER
Based out of Rocket Lab’s Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Quality Engineer II/Senior Quality Engineer is responsible for Space Systems Assembly operations including Spacecraft assembly support, electromechanical assemblies, Non-conformance management, CAPA and Customer deliverables. Focus will be on eliminating mission risks and increasing productivity. You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Identify and prioritize risks to mission success.
- Create action plans and lead execution of tasks to resolve problems.
- Steer cross-functional teams to focus on top-impact actions and hold people accountable for achieving expected milestones.
- Support and/or lead process failure mode and effect analysis.
- Drive implementation of built-in quality fundamentals – Check-Do-Check.
- Provide rapid response and problem resolution for containment and risk mitigation activities.
- Identify and categorize quality problems that are impacting the company’s ability to deliver conforming hardware on schedule.
- Lead team to deep dive the top problems and properly identify and resolve the root cause of the issues, applying tools like 5 Whys, Cause and Effect analysis and 8Ds.
- Lead PFMEA activities.
- Support Quality inspection team
(This position can be hired as a Quality Engineer II / Senior Quality Engineer)
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A QUALITY ENGINEER II:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or industrial engineering, or equivalent.
- 2+ years of experience in a quality role
- Experience in Aerospace industry.
- Experience in Assembly and integration.
- GD&T knowledge.
- Experience with AS9100
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
- 5+ years of manufacturing/aerospace experience.
- Experience in Assembly and Integration.
- Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.
- Experience with AS9100.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience developing new systems and processes.
- Strong data analytics and visualization skills.
- Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action experience.
- Experience in the aerospace industry or other quality-critical industries.
- Minitab or other statistical software expertise
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)
$75,000—$130,000 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.
