Manufacturing Engineer II / Senior - Fluids

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II or Senior – Fluid Systems to develop and optimize propulsion component fabrication, assembly, and testing processes. You will apply advanced welding, additive manufacturing, and tooling methods to achieve aerospace quality and reliability.

Responsibilities include process qualification, problem solving, and cross‑functional collaboration. The role requires a mechanical or aerospace engineering degree with 2+ years (II) or 5+

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 2+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning.
• Experience setting up and/or operating a tube shop or build area.
• Senior level requires 5+ years of such experience and broader scope.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve propulsion component fabrication and assembly processes.
• Qualify welding and fabrication of tubing components to aerospace specifications.
• Use TIG, MIG, OTW and other methods to ensure structural integrity.
• Inspect welded components using NDE/NDT methods and address defects.
• Collaborate with engineering to interpret and implement design specs.
• Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations when needed.
• Drive quality improvements with the quality team and production staff.
• Plan and execute capital equipment and layout upgrades with business cases.

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline

5+ years experience for Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Fluid Systems (or 2+ years for the II level)

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.

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.

Our Electron rocket has 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.

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 II / SENIOR - FLUID SYSTEMS

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems will develop, implement, and continuously improve the propulsion component, assembly, and integration manufacturing process through strong working knowledge of additive manufacturing, machining, welding, assembly, integration, tooling, test, and quality techniques.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components according to aerospace specifications.
• Utilize TIG, MIG, OTW and other welding methods to achieve the required structural integrity.
• Conduct thorough inspections of welded components, employing NDE/NDT methods to identify and rectify defects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.
• When required, lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements
• Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes
• Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases
• Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques
• Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist

(This position can be hired as a Manufacturing Engineer II or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - FLUID SYSTEMS

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning
• Experience setting up and/or operating a tube shop or build area

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER – FLUID SYSTEMS

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning
• Experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• 8+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning
• Ability to create and deliver accurate and concise presentations for design, manufacturing, and quality
• Strong knowledge of metal working and fabrication processes
• Experience designing tooling in an aerospace manufacturing environment
• Hands‑on with a passion for continuous improvement and building the best hardware
• Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision in a timely manner
• Adaptable and comfortable in an exciting, dynamic and ever‑evolving environment

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of 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. Join one of the world's fastest‑growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,000 USD - $165,000 USD

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.

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. 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 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.