Senior Quality Engineer — Space Optics & Data-Driven QA

Rocket Lab Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Quality Engineer to ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality standards throughout the lifecycle while supporting SDA programs.

You will develop inspection methods, lead root-cause analyses, manage NCRs and CAPAs, train teams, and drive data-driven quality improvements using Power BI and Power Apps. Occasional travel to test campaigns and audits is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Assurance within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within a Quality Management System; AS9100 experience strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of NCRs, CAPA, MRB/FRB, ESD, and FOD controls.
• Experience with inspection and test activities, metrology, and calibration systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T.
• Experience analyzing quality data and presenting metrics using tools such as Power BI, Power Apps, Excel, or similar data visualization platforms.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute inspection methods to verify product quality and workmanship.
• Ensure products comply with internal procedures, customer requirements, and industry standards such as AS9100.
• Investigate products and process nonconformances and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Generate, manage, and close Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), Corrective Action Reports, and support MRB/FRB activities.
• Provide quality training and guidance to production and engineering teams on workmanship standards, procedures, ESD, and FOD.
• Coordinate and document calibration activities and maintain metrology controls.
• Support and maintain compliance with ESD and FOD programs across production and integration areas.
• Perform inspections, review inspection data, and document results and findings.
• Collect, analyze, and trend quality data using digital tools such as Power Apps and Power BI to support data-driven decision making.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor quality metrics, nonconformance trends, corrective action effectiveness, and process performance.
• Participate in internal, customer, and third-party quality audits as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and repeatability of processes.
• The Quality Engineer will support, analyze, and report on quality performance using data-driven metrics.
• Travel as required to support test campaigns, supplier activities, audits, source inspections, and program milestones.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of quality, compliance, and program execution.

Skills

Quality Engineering

Quality Assurance

AS9100

NCRs/CAPA/MRB/FRB

ESD/FOD controls

Inspection & Metrology

GD&T

Power BI

Power Apps

Excel

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

ASQ Certification

Tools

Power BI

Power Apps

Excel

Metrology Equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Quality Engineer to ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality standards throughout the lifecycle while supporting SDA programs.

You will develop inspection methods, lead root-cause analyses, manage NCRs and CAPAs, train teams, and drive data-driven quality improvements using Power BI and Power Apps. Occasional travel to test campaigns and audits is required.