Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II - TPA

Rocket Lab USA Inc.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan

Three weeks paid vacation

Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts

Paid parental leave

Access to 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA Inc. is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II based in Long Beach, CA. The role involves the development of new products and revisions related to rocket engines, focusing primarily on turbopump assembly. Candidates should have a strong background in engineering and manufacturing processes, with at least 5 years of relevant experience required.

The position promises a robust benefits package, including equity, medical coverage, vacation days, and a competitive salary ranging from $115,000 to $175,000 USD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or similar engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for production.
• Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects.
• Collaborate with propulsion assembly technicians.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing defects.

Skills

Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals

Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials

5+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace or manufacturing engineering

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II - TPA

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.

ENGINEERING

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - TURBOPUMP ASSEMBLY

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Headquarters for Long Beach, CA the Senior Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the development of new products and product revisions as related to both Rutherford and Archimedes engines. This role will have primary responsibility over the turbopump assembly for the Archimedes engine. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

(Please note – this position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer II level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance.
• Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects
• Collaborate with propulsion assembly technicians for general alignment, capability, and support.
• Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
• Implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning.
• Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor signoffs.
• Interface with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities, and when required, lead problem containment and structured root‑cause & corrective action investigations.
• Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or similar engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or similar engineering discipline
• 8+ years of experience in a heavy development manufacturing environment
• Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals
• Knowledge in manufacturing processes for aerospace materials

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Advanced engineering degree
• Experience with design, testing and development of turbopumps or similar turbomachinery
• Experience contributing to and steering design reviews and provide technical expertise in support of design for manufacture, test, and assembly
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules

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

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$115,000 — $175,000 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 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.