Manufacturing Engineer II/Senior - Machining

Futureshaper.com; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer to join their dynamic team in Long Beach, CA. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop machining processes for cutting-edge rocket engines, contributing to significant advancements in space technology. You will be involved in design reviews, equipment procurement, and continuous improvement projects, all while mentoring less experienced engineers. Join a company that values creativity and excellence, and help shape the future of space exploration through your expertise in machining and engineering.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of machine shop experience for Engineer II; 5+ years for Senior.
• Proficiency in GD&T and inspection methods is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop machining processes for new products and revisions.
• Select and install machine shop equipment, ensuring quality and productivity.

Skills

NX CAM Programming

5-axis CNC Operation

GD&T Proficiency

Quality Control

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

3D CAD Software

Lean/Six Sigma Methodologies

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer II/Senior - Machining

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems include a broad line of satellites and components that have enabled over 1,700 missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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 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 boundaries with a clean sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Manufacturing Engineer II / Senior - Machining

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a focus on Machining based at Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The role involves developing machining processes for new products and revisions related to the Rutherford engine (used on the second most frequently launched US rocket) and the Archimedes engine, offering a ground-floor opportunity in a novel rocket engine build.

What you'll get to do:

• Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, machining, productivity, and quality control.
• Select, procure, and install machine shop equipment, develop maintenance and calibration plans.
• Develop in-house machining capabilities for the Archimedes components and facilitate rapid iterations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment to improve quality, delivery, and cost performance in production.
• Lead continuous improvement and cost reduction projects within the fabrication department.
• Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for alignment and capability support.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and machinists daily.

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

Qualifications for Manufacturing Engineer II - Machining:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• At least 2 years of machine shop experience.
• Ability to quickly iterate NX CAM programs and operate 5-axis CNC equipment.
• Proficiency in GD&T and inspection methods.

Qualifications for Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Machining:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• Over 5 years of machine shop experience.
• Ability to rapidly iterate NX CAM programs and operate 5-axis CNC equipment.
• Well-versed in GD&T and inspection methods.

Nice to have:

• Experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping.
• Over 8 years of machine shop experience.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience machining turbomachinery and combustion components.
• Familiarity with post-processing, additive manufacturing, and welding.

Additional requirements:

• Specific vision abilities: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, focus.
• Ability to sit, use hands, operate a computer, communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to commute to facilities.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, moderate noise.
• Willingness to work long hours, weekends, participate in shift rotations.

Salary range (CA only): $100,000—$150,000 USD.