Manufacturing Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 77,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Robust benefits package

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I/II for our Middle River, MD facility to develop and implement manufacturing technologies for the Neutron launch vehicle structure. You will plan builds, develop tooling, and drive process improvements across integration and test activities.

The successful candidate will model with 3D CAD, produce technical prints, and work with large assemblies, collaborating with engineers and technicians to ensure efficient, scalable production.

Qualifications

• B.S. in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering (or related field) is required.
• Experience building/testing hardware for space launch vehicles or similar aerospace hardware is preferred.
• Ability to model with 3D CAD, create prints, and work with large assemblies is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute build and integration of Neutron hardware.
• Develop build methods to increase throughput and reduce errors.
• Create and maintain work instructions and procedures.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

large assemblies handling

technical drawings

Education

B.S. in industrial/mechanical/aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I / MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II

We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to be based at Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing technologies and processes used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Plan and execute the build and integration of Neutron and associated flight hardware.
• Develop con‑ops, design, and drive build of associated ground support tooling and processes for handling components, large assemblies, and integrated modules.
• Develop build methods to increase throughput, reduce opportunities for errors, and simplify processes.
• Support Neutron integration engineers in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of the 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, fluid system, avionics, and AFTS. Including:
• Development and refinement of inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly and system test procedures.
• Collect and document feedback for design and manufacturing teams through lessons learned during the build.
• Develop clear work instructions to ensure good communication between engineering and technicians.
• Contribute, develop, and own build procedures and documentation of non‑conformances into actionable items and system improvements.
• Maintain integrated planning documents that are inclusive of Launch Vehicle configurations and work scope.
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure required testing abilities.
• Develop, build, and maintain Neutron processing facilities.
• Closely collaborate with management staff and peers from other departments and highly skilled technicians on daily routine
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

• Bachelor of Science degree in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, or related degree required.
• Experience in building and testing hardware associated with space launch vehicles or similar aerospace and defense hardware. (internships and school projects qualify)
• Demonstrated ability to model with 3D CAD, produce prints, and work with large assemblies

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II

• Bachelor of Science degree in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, or related degree required.
• 2+ years of experience in building and testing hardware associated with space launch vehicles or similar aerospace and defense hardware. (internships and school projects qualify)
• Demonstrated ability to model with 3D CAD, produce prints, and work with large assemblies

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary functions of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures.
• Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.
• Experience working on build, test of complex assemblies at the system and sub‑system level.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects which led to successful outcomes
• Experience working in a fast‑paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$77,000 - $119,000 USD

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 [e-mail]. 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 here ITAR Regulations.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes: we keep data to comply with legal requirements. The data collected is used to understand workforce demographics and to report on compliance with regulations. The collection is voluntary and the information provided by each employee or applicant is treated as confidential and protected by applicable privacy laws.

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 [e-mail]. 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.

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or