Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or II specializing in Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT), you will ensure successful production, assembly, and testing of Rocket Lab's spacecraft. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, production, quality, and test engineering to deliver high-quality products on time and within budget.

What You'll Do

• Prepare feasibility studies and conduct manufacturing technology research and development projects
• Partner with Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into products for robustness and manufacturability at scale
• Engineer and deliver factories: design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processes
• Support development builds to uncover early learnings and accelerate 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 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

Senior Manufacturing Engineer I Requirements

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

Senior Manufacturing Engineer II Requirements

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

Nice to Have

• Master's degree in related engineering field
• Experience in 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

Work 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Base pay range (California only): $115,000 to $170,000 USD. Level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Comprehensive benefits include: company stock ownership, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on company merch, and additional employee discounts.

Eligibility Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.