Manufacturing Engineer II - Avionics & Test

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 efficiency and quality.
• Support product design for manufacturability.
• Troubleshoot production issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements.

Qualifications

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or similar.
• 2+ years of 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.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• 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.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $90,000 USD - $120,000 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with company stock as part of your total compensation package.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
• Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a 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.

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.