Production Planner II

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical HMO and PPO

100% company-sponsored HSA plan option

401(k) retirement plan with company match

On-site gym

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Rocketlab is seeking a Production Planner II to be based at our Long Beach, CA headquarters. This role involves managing work orders, ensuring the availability of materials, and supporting the production schedule. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree or extensive relevant experience.

The position offers a competitive salary, benefits such as paid vacation and sick leave, as well as additional perks including medical coverage and access to wellness programs.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in production planning or similar role.
• Ability to conduct build reviews and expedite materials.
• Knowledge of master data management and issue ticket disposition.

Responsibilities

• Manage work order flow and prioritisation.
• Create visibility of material positions and reports.
• Support cross-functional team efforts in production.

Skills

Supply and fulfilment planning

Production Planning fundamentals

MRP systems proficiency

MS Office proficiency

Organisational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

ERP systems

Math and statistics

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.

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.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components throughout the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enable our technicians to assemble our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

PRODUCTION PLANNER II

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Production Planners are responsible for work order management at Rocket Lab. Production Planners interact with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure they are planning and managing the production schedule, production lead times, yield management, and engineering build timelines. Production Planners ensure that the Production team has work in their queue, the correct priority, and are clear to build without blockers.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Responsible for supply and fulfilment planning within MRP for Production work orders.
• Responsible for releasing work orders to Production, and kit requests to Inventory.
• Accountable for creating visibility of material position (with line of balance reports, material shortage reports, clear to build reports, etc.).
• Responsible for supporting prioritisation and expediting subassemblies to support integration timeline.
• Accountable for ensuring part master data within MRP is accurate for Production parts.
• Understands material demand and accuracy of configuration.
• Works in a cross‑functional team environment as a strong team player and demonstrates ability to work with other functional groups to achieve company‑wide goals.
• Other duties asked by manager, relevant to role.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (6+ years total work experience).
• Proven ability to conduct clear build reviews and expedite materials through production.
• Knowledge of Production Planning fundamentals for master data management, batch processing, and issue ticket disposition.
• Proficient in MRP systems.
• Proficient in MS Office, ERP systems, math and statistics.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Prior experience in aerospace, EV automotive, or other disruptive manufacturing industries.
• Prior experience in rapid growth environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience with AS9100, US export controls.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and efficiently.
• Experience with SQL, Python or R.

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 and 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, subsidised EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $72,000 – $90,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, and 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, or be eligible to obtain the required authorisations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, 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.