Composites Engineer II: Spacecraft Production & Innovation

Rocket Lab USA; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Composites Engineer II or Senior Composites Engineer I to lead and optimize spacecraft composite production lines, delivering high‑quality solar products and sub‑systems under lean manufacturing principles.

Join a dedicated Space Systems team, work on challenging projects, own timelines, and contribute to high‑stakes missions with NASA, SDA, and Space Force partnerships. This role offers growth and hands-on impact on space hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience within a composites manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of prepreg layup, machining, and structural assembly bonding.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize spacecraft composite production lines.
• Support build of spacecraft composite structures in a hands-on capacity.
• Practice continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques.
• Manage project timelines and assess technical risks.
• Lead non-conformance investigations and root cause analysis.
• Create technical documentation and propose design improvements.

Skills

Hands-on composites manufacturing

Mechanical understanding

Knowledge of composite materials

Machining and bonding techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Siemens Teamcenter

Infor LN

Job description

Rocket Lab USA in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Composites Engineer II or Senior Composites Engineer I to lead and optimize spacecraft composite production lines, delivering high‑quality solar products and sub‑systems under lean manufacturing principles.

Join a dedicated Space Systems team, work on challenging projects, own timelines, and contribute to high‑stakes missions with NASA, SDA, and Space Force partnerships. This role offers growth and hands-on impact on space hardware.