Manufacturing Engineer I - Avionics and Test

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.

About the role

This role centers on testing and avionics, involving hands-on debugging of electro-mechanical and avionics systems, optimizing manufacturing processes, and supporting product design for manufacturability. It also includes troubleshooting production issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Debug electro-mechanical and avionics systems hands-on
• Optimize manufacturing processes for avionics and test systems
• Support product design for manufacturability
• Troubleshoot production issues
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Drive process improvements in manufacturing

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or similar
• Technical experience in a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering environment
• Hands-on experience solving problems in complex manufacturing systems
• Ability to effectively deliver on complex assignments with autonomy
• Foundational knowledge in complex manufacturing processes
• Hands-on technical experience debugging electro-mechanical systems

Preferred

• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuum
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action

Work Environment

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay with company stock as part of total compensation
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock
• Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with significant HSA company contribution)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Paid vacation and sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Subsidized EV charging
• Onsite fitness centers (where available) and discounted gym memberships
• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• 50% employee discount on Rocket Lab merchandise
• Various other employee discounts

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $90,000 USD - $104,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

What To Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. 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.