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Salary: USD 125,000 - 170,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead process improvements and factory optimization for its Space Systems division, which designs and manufactures satellites, payloads, and components for NASA lunar/Mars missions and other critical space applications.
In this role, you will own manufacturing process engineering across the production lifecycle—from feasibility studies and design-for-manufacturability collaboration with engineering teams, to factory design, procurement, installation, and validation of assembly and test processes. You'll take engineering ownership of production lines, identifying and removing blockers, improving yield, and increasing build efficiency. Key responsibilities include conducting deep technical investigations into production failures, driving root cause resolution and risk mitigation, and collaborating cross-functionally to resolve complex manufacturing challenges.
You will also lead process improvements across manufacturing, test, and integration; support change management by assessing design and process change impacts; and contribute to business system enhancements that drive organizational effectiveness. Leadership responsibilities include coaching and mentoring team members, conducting performance reviews, interviewing and hiring candidates, and establishing team goals and metrics for continuous improvement.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field; 5+ years in Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering; hands-on experience identifying and solving systemic problems in complex manufacturing systems; ability to manage multiple complex assignments autonomously; demonstrated ability to coach and mentor across teams; technical knowledge of complex manufacturing processes; and personnel leadership experience including capital/facilities justification and project management.
Desirable experience includes environmental and production acceptance testing (vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum); instrumentation and sensor knowledge; production line design and implementation; product transition from design to production in fast-paced environments; and familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, and root cause methodologies.
Rocket Lab offers competitive compensation, equity, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 3 weeks PTO, 5 sick days, 11 holidays, parental leave), 401(k) matching, ESPP, EV charging subsidies, onsite gym, and food/beverage perks.
