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Jobs · Quality Assurance · California

Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test

Rocket Lab · Long Beach, CA · 3 wk ago
On-siteQuality Assurance$170k/yrFull-time

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 scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate-change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

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 and 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, and 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.

Requirements

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

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.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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-paced, 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), discounted gym memberships.
  • Complimentary snacks and beverages.
  • 50% employee discount on Rocket Lab merchandise.
  • Various other employee discounts.

Pay

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

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