Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test

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, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the role

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II, specializing in Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT), you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful production, assembly, and testing of Rocket Lab’s cutting-edge spacecraft. This role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, hands-on experience with complex systems, and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, quality, and test engineering, to ensure the delivery of high-quality products on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Prepare feasibility studies, conduct manufacturing technology Research and Development projects
• Partner with Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale
• Engineer and deliver factories – design, procure, install, validate assembly, test, and verification processes
• Support Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate production ramp-up
• Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield, and increase build efficiency
• Triage and diagnose failures, conduct deep technical investigations, and determine the right path forward, including risk mitigation actions and root cause resolution
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve complex issues
• Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test, and integration
• Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changes
• Support business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency

This position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level II.

Requirements

Senior Manufacturing Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems

Senior Manufacturing Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems

Skills

• Master’s degree in a related engineering field
• Experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with launch vehicles or spacecraft
• Familiarity with composite materials and structures
• Hands-on experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing
• Experience with environmental testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum) and associated test equipment
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast, multifaceted 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 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’s merch store
• Various other employee discounts

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $115,000 - $170,000 USD

Location: Long Beach, CA

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates 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.