Manufacturing Engineer – Avionics

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II to facilitate and optimize production and launch-vehicle system tests in a high-growth environment, ensuring Manufacturing Principles support tight launch times. You will work closely with Engineers, Technicians and SMEs across departments to enable testing and operations of launch vehicles.

Regular activities include troubleshooting and root-causing production stoppages, developing and optimizing processes for Production, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 1+ years' experience in relevant industry.
• Hands-on technical experience debugging electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communicator with ability to deliver clear KPI targets.
• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processes.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and root‑cause production stoppages and implement improvements.
• Develop and optimize production and test processes for launch vehicles.
• Lead RCA investigations, create and approve technical documentation.
• Collaborate with Engineers, Technicians and SMEs across departments to enable testing and operations.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electro-mechanical systems

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or related field

Tools

Siemens Teamcenter

Infor LN

Industrial PLC programming

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The primary purpose of the Manufacturing Engineer is to facilitate and optimize Production and Launch vehicle system tests for a high-growth production environment, ensuring Manufacturing Principles are practiced to meet stringent launch times.

This position will work closely and develop strong relationships with Engineers, Technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable the testing and operations of launch vehicles.

Regular activities of the Manufacturing Engineer include troubleshooting and root causing production stoppages, developing, and optimizing processes for Production, and implement new processes through prototyping, test, and integration. The Manufacturing Engineer II will autonomously leading root cause analysis investigations, create and approve technical documentation, and driving action towards achieving departmental KPIs.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or related field
• 1+ years' experience in relevant industry
• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex electro-mechanical systems within a Manufacturing environment
• Strong communicator, with proven ability to communicate and deliver clear and concise KPI's
• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processes
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Previous experience in implementation of Major Cap ex project delivery

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
• Knowledge of production quality metrics.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
• IQ / PQ process driven project completion
• PPS problem solving
• Programming - Industrial PLC's

Salary dependent upon experience: NZD$ 75,000 - NZD$ 95,000

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 hereITAR Regulations.