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Auckland, NZ

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 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 rockethas 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.

Rocket Lab is redefining what’s possible in space systems, and we’re looking for a Manufacturing Engineer – Reaction Wheels to join our team of innovators. If you’re passionate about precision, problem-solving, and pushing boundaries, this is your opportunity to make an impact on mission-critical hardware that powers the next generation of space exploration.

Your Mission:

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Rocket Lab, you’ll be the driving force behind enabling our production team to achieve top-quality manufacturing at scale. You’ll take ownership of the Reaction Wheels product line, ensuring efficient processes, removing production blockers, and implementing corrective actions to deliver reliable, high-performance systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Product Expertise: Become the subject matter expert for Reaction Wheels, developing manuals, improving designs, and ensuring repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Problem Solver: Analyse and resolve manufacturing discrepancies, perform root-cause analyses, and implement corrective actions to ensure mission success.
• Innovator: Develop and execute unique test methods for mission-critical hardware, leveraging your expertise in electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Collaborator: Work cross-functionally with production, quality, supply chain, and design teams to drive improvements and ensure seamless operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Use Lean/Six Sigma tools to identify and execute upgrades in equipment, processes, and systems to meet production goals.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience as a Manufacturing/Production/Process Engineer.
• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to deliver KPIs independently or as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and a can-do attitude.
• Experience with ERP/PLM Systems (e.g., Siemens Team Centre/Infor LN).
• Knowledge of production quality metrics and environmental acceptance testing.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, and root cause analysis tools like Fault Tree and Ishikawa.
• Expertise in Lean/Six Sigma, capacity modelling, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Be part of a global leader in space systems innovation.
• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth.
• Collaborate with passionate professionals who share your drive for excellence.

Ready to launch your career to new heights?

Apply now and become part of Rocket Lab’s mission to make space accessible for everyone.

Rocket Lab – Launching Possibilities.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. 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, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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.

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Rocket Lab is required to comply with US export compliance laws & regulations including the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).These regulations restrict whom Rocket Lab can share materials with, and whom can receive those materials. This includes hardware, technical data, and defense services.Access to these materials is required for employment at Rocket Lab; being unable to meet these export compliance requirements means that you will be ineligible for employment at Rocket Lab.Do you consent to Rocket Lab requesting information regarding citizenships, passports and visas? * Select...

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