Manufacturing Engineer I/II

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Middle River, MD, is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer for the Neutron Launch Vehicle production. This role involves developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and experience with aerospace hardware. You will collaborate with teams on build methods and inspections to enhance throughput and reduce errors. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $77,000 to $119,000 USD, with an environment focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 2+ years in aerospace hardware preferred.
• Experience with large assembly operations and testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the build and integration of Neutron and hardware.
• Develop tooling and processes for production.
• Support Neutron integration with engineers.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Building and testing space launch hardware

Mechanical and aerospace engineering knowledge

Experience with large assemblies

Education

Bachelor of Science in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering

Job description

About Rocket Lab

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 to 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.

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 reusable 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.
  • 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

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$77,000 — $119,000 USD

What to Expect

Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on delivering results. The work environment is collaborative, fast‑paced, and requires a strong commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement.

Important Information

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.

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.