SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Rocket Lab is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II / Senior I for Fluid Systems to join the Neutron program—a medium-lift, highly reusable launch vehicle in clean-sheet development. Based at Rocket Lab's Long Beach headquarters, you will develop, implement, and continuously improve propulsion component, assembly, and integration manufacturing processes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components to aerospace specifications using TIG, MIG, OTW, and other welding methods.
- Conduct thorough inspections of welded components using NDE/NDT methods to identify and rectify defects.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.
- Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations when required.
- Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
- Partner with quality teams to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements.
- Liaison between production, quality, supply chain, and design engineering for complex problem-solving and process changes.
- Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including business case preparation.
- Lead continuous improvement via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques.
- Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection, and analysis processes.
For Manufacturing Engineer II: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering; 2+ years developing fabrication methods (OTW, TIG, proof testing, cleaning); experience setting up/operating a tube shop or build area.
For Senior Manufacturing Engineer I: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering; 5+ years developing fabrication methods; experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area.
Nice-to-have qualifications include 8+ years fabrication experience, ability to create accurate presentations, strong metalworking knowledge, aerospace tooling design experience, hands-on problem-solving capability, and adaptability in dynamic environments.
