Strategic Supplier Quality Engineer Harnessing

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, II) focused on harnessing to ensure quality for procured parts and processes. You will translate requirements, drive supplier improvement, and balance customer and supplier priorities at Rocket Lab’s Long Beach HQ.

You will liaise with design, manufacturing, and purchasing to resolve quality issues, lead root cause analysis, and manage PPAP and SPC activities. A strong foundation in harnessing and IPC standards is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar).
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent.
• Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (certified preferred).
• Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships).
• Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Strategically source and onboard suppliers by assessing capabilities, processes, and quality systems.
• Develop and implement supplier technical requirements, quality flow downs, and process controls.
• Oversee PPAP and ensure supplier qualification activities meet industry standards.
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Provide feedback to suppliers to optimize manufacturing methods and reduce costs.
• Lead supplier root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality gaps.
• Act as internal owner for supplier SPC, yield improvement, and tool qualification.
• Lead projects and present findings to internal teams and suppliers.

Skills

Harnessing experience

Supplier quality experience

Regulated industry

IPC/WHMA-A-620 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Power BI

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, II) focused on harnessing to ensure quality for procured parts and processes. You will translate requirements, drive supplier improvement, and balance customer and supplier priorities at Rocket Lab’s Long Beach HQ.

You will liaise with design, manufacturing, and purchasing to resolve quality issues, lead root cause analysis, and manage PPAP and SPC activities. A strong foundation in harnessing and IPC standards is required.