Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) to lead manufacturing efforts for spacecraft assembly, integration and testing. You will work across design, production, quality and test engineering to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of high‑quality space hardware.

The role offers a base pay range of $115,000–$170,000 USD in California and includes a comprehensive benefits package including stock purchase options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, focusing on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (aerospace/automotive preferred).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software and PLM systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare feasibility studies and conduct manufacturing technology R&D projects.
• Incorporate Design for Manufacture to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale.
• Design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processes for factories.
• Support development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues.
• Take ownership of production lines to improve yield and build efficiency.
• Triage failures, perform root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

CAD software proficiency

Manufacturing processes

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks/NX/CATIA

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test

Long Beach, CA

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 rockethas 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.

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 rockethas 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.

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I/II – ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT):

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II, specializing in Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT), you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful production, assembly, and testing of Rocket Lab’s cutting‑edge spacecraft.

This role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, hands‑on experience with complex systems, and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including design, production, quality, and test engineering, to ensure the delivery of high-quality products on time and within budget.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Prepare feasibility studies, conduct manufacturing technology Research and Development projects
• Partner with our Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into our products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale
• Engineer and deliver our factories – design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processes
• Support Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate the production ramp up
• Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiency
• Triage and diagnose failures, conduct deep technical investigations and determine the right path forward including risk mitigation actions and root cause resolution
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to resolve complex issues
• Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test and integration
• Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changes
• Support business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency

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

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I - ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT):

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT):

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in the related engineering field.
• Experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Familiarity with composite materials and structures.
• Hands‑on experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing.
• Experience with environmental testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum) and associated test equipment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles with excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast, multifaceted 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.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry‑leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top‑tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$115,000 - $170,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

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.

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.

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 .

Any offer of employment with Rocket Lab is contingent on a successful criminal background check and successful reference checks.