Manufacturing Engineer II / Senior Manufacturing Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with company match

Onsite gym and food

3 weeks paid vacation

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II / Senior – Fluid Systems. This role involves developing and improving propulsion component manufacturing processes through expertise in welding and fabrication.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with 2+ years for the Manufacturing Engineer II position and 5+ years for the Senior role. The position offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $165,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience for Manufacturing Engineer II or 5+ years for Senior role.
• Experience in setting up a tube shop or build area.
• Strong knowledge of metal-working and fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and lead problem containment.
• Identify and execute capital equipment upgrades.

Skills

Precision welding

Fabrication methods (OTW, TIG)

Quality control techniques

Lean/Six Sigma tools

Complex problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or related

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, with the goal of opening access to space. Our rockets and satellites enable scientific exploration, Earth observation, and space missions that combat climate change, support national security, and demonstrate new technologies.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium‑lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations, high‑assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron leverages Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II / SENIOR – FLUID SYSTEMS

Based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Manufacturing Engineer – Fluid Systems develops, implements, and continuously improves the propulsion component, assembly and integration manufacturing process through expertise in additive manufacturing, machining, welding, assembly, tooling, testing and quality techniques.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 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.
• Lead problem containment and root‑cause/corrective action investigations when required.
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non‑conformances.
• Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality‑related initiatives and improvements.
• Liaise 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, 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 processes where none exist.

QUALIFICATIONS

Manufacturing Engineer II – Fluid Systems

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering or related discipline.
• 2+ 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.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Fluid Systems

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering or related 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.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 passion for continuous improvement and building high‑quality hardware.
• Capability to solve complex problems with little supervision in a timely manner.
• Adaptability and comfort in an exciting, dynamic and ever‑evolving environment.

BENEFITS

Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis. Rocket Lab offers company equity, a comprehensive benefits package including medical (HMO, PPO and 100% HSA), dental, vision, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending accounts, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and additional perks such as discounted stock purchase, EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

EMPLOYMENT NOTICE

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail].

EEO STATEMENT

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. For New Zealand candidates, eligibility may be restricted by regulatory requirements. Please review the applicable regulations before applying.

BASE PAY RANGE (CA ONLY)

$100,000 — $165,000 USD