Manufacturing Engineer

Rocket Lab; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join the Hardware Engineering Team in Menlo Park, CA. This full-time on-site role involves designing, developing, and scaling radar and sensor hardware, and requires strong collaboration skills within a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in manufacturing processes and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant experience in manufacturing or hardware development.
• Experience supporting production of complex electromechanical systems.
• Proficient with CAD tools and schematic/layout tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct DFM reviews and provide feedback during design.
• Serve as primary technical interface with contract manufacturers.
• Develop and document scalable production processes.

Skills

DFM principles

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Altium

Job description

LeoLabs enables military space commands, civil government agencies, and commercial operators to confidently detect, track, characterize, and respond to threats in space. Our proliferated, multi-mission radar network, real-time orbital data catalog, and AI-powered analytics support secure, safe, and dynamic space operations.

At LeoLabs, our core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Impact guide everything we do. We foster an environment where bold ideas are encouraged, doing the right thing is fundamental, and our work makes a meaningful difference in safeguarding space and our way of life on Earth. As part of our team, you’ll contribute to building the world’s most comprehensive living map of orbital activity, designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our era. Together, we are preserving the U.S. and Allied advantage in space, driving the growth of the global economy, and enabling the future of space exploration and innovation.

The Opportunity

At LeoLabs, the Hardware Engineering Team designs, develops, manufactures, and deploys the advanced radar systems which provide persistent orbital intelligence to our customers worldwide. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be a key player in building and scaling our next-generation radar and sensor hardware operating at UHF, S-Band, and other frequency bands. You will drive the transition from design to production, develop DFM processes, and serve as the technical interface between engineering, LeoLabs’ supply chain team, and our contract manufacturers. This role demands strong cross-functional collaboration and comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced, high-performing team. This is a full-time, on-site role based at our headquarters in Menlo Park, CA, and reports to the Hardware Engineering Manager. Occasional international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

·Conduct DFM reviews and provide manufacturing feedback throughout the hardware design process

·Serve as the primary technical interface to contract manufacturers for PCBAs and mechanical components

·Coordinate rework and repair of field-returned radar hardware with the Global Infrastructure team

·Collaborate with Supply Chain Management to ensure smooth execution of production builds and coordinate proper use of LeoLabs inventory—including CIP assets—during hardware repairs and rework activities

·Develop and document scalable production and assembly processes

·Improve manufacturability, repairability, and production planning frameworks across the radar product line, including feeding design failure analysis back to the engineers

Basic Qualifications

·BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

·5+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or hardware development environment

·Demonstrated experience supporting the production of complex electromechanical systems

·Proficiency with at least one CAD tool (e.g., SolidWorks) and one schematic/layout tool (e.g., Altium)

·Working knowledge of DFM principles for PCBAs and machined metal parts

·Excellent communication skills and experience working cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and vendors

Preferred Qualifications

·Experience with PLM (e.g., Arena) and ERP (e.g., NetSuite) systems

·Background in radar, RF systems, or other defense, industrial, or scientific electronics manufacturing

·Experience developing test and inspection procedures for low- to mid-volume production

·Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, debugging, or rework

·Ability to thrive in a startup or rapidly evolving environment

·Experience building vendor relationships and managing outsourced fabrication or assembly

Within 1 Month, You Will:

·Complete onboarding and gain a foundational understanding of LeoLabs’ mission, products, and teams

·Get familiar with our current manufacturing workflows and in-house rework processes

·Shadow engineers and SCM on current production efforts

Within 3 Months, You Will:

·Lead DFM reviews for an upcoming radar production run

·Begin taking ownership of technical communication with key contract manufacturers, supply chain management, and hardware teams

·Organize and manage the rework of returned field hardware in partnership with our Global Infrastructure team

Within 6 Months, You Will:

·Build and formalize production planning processes for future radar builds

·Lead factory readiness for at least one new radar production effort

·Drive improvements in documentation and vendor communication for outsourced assemblies

Within 12 Months, You Will:

·Take full ownership of multiple hardware production efforts from planning through delivery

·Develop and implement DFM and repair process improvements across the radar product line

·Become a key contributor to the long-term scalability of LeoLabs' hardware manufacturing operations

By applying to this job requisition, the applicant understands that any potential resultant employment offer is predicated upon an actual contract award being made to LeoLabs, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). Thus, any potential employment offer made by the Company to an applicant is conditional and is subject to the Company's sole discretion.

Salary offers are based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, and location. The compensation range for this position is $156,000 - 175,000

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We do not work with outside staffing agencies

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC’s website