Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Fluid Systems

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Fluid Systems to develop and improve propulsion component manufacturing, welding, and assembly processes. You will work with additive, machining, welding, and QA to ensure quality and efficiency in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

The role requires a mechanical/ manufacturing/ aerospace background and 5+ years in fabrication methods, with the opportunity to influence design and production, driving Lean/Six Sigma

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components per aerospace specs.
• Utilize TIG, MIG, OTW and other welding methods to ensure structural integrity.
• Conduct inspections of welded components using NDE/NDT methods to identify defects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specs.
• Lead problem containment and root-cause investigations when needed.
• Drive quality improvements with the quality team and other departments.

Skills

Welding & fabrication

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Six Sigma

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/manufacturing/aerospace engineering

Tools

OTW welding

TIG welding

Proof testing

Cleaning

NDE/NDT methods

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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!

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I - 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base 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.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)
$164,000 — $194,000 USD

Base Salary
$115,000 — $158,000 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.

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 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 ITAR Regulations.