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Rocket Lab is seeking a Quality Engineer II based in Albuquerque, NM (part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition) to drive quality culture and continuous improvement across the Space Systems division. This role is central to ensuring product and process excellence throughout the product lifecycle while maintaining compliance with AS9100, customer, and internal requirements.
You will promote a quality-focused culture and collaborate with cross-functional teams on customer design reviews, new product development, in-process monitoring, and contract reviews. Key responsibilities include monitoring product performance, creating and improving Quality Management System (QMS) procedures and documentation, and representing the organization in customer service matters including complaints, audits, and inquiries.
You will lead quality improvement initiatives, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and internal audits. You'll support the Engineering Change process through technical reviews, verify and validate in-process and completed products, and facilitate Material Review Boards and Corrective Action Boards. The role involves creating and monitoring quality metrics (discrepancy reports, nonconformances, corrective actions, supplier quality, cost of poor quality, KPIs, RMAs) and taking action when KPIs underperform.
Additional responsibilities include conducting internal and supplier quality audits per AS9100 standards, managing incoming supplier quality activities (on-time delivery, defect tracking, corrective actions), developing sampling plans and inspection procedures, and providing technical support to Quality and Manufacturing Inspection Technicians. You will conduct inspector training and certification, exercise authority to halt processes that threaten product quality or safety, and travel as needed for off-site testing, customer repair trips, or program meetings.
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. The company values hard work, innovation, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to achieving ambitious goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree
- 2+ years in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering related field
- Experience implementing cross-functional projects in a technical environment
Desired:
- Experience writing and optimizing SQL queries and maintaining data integrity
- Experience automating document creation, assembly, and distribution using Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, or similar tools
- Experience designing and developing customer data reports using Microsoft Power BI or other business intelligence software
- Familiarity with standard Quality Management System standards and principles
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially with customers and interdepartmental personnel
- Problem-solving skills and tools in working environments where data drives decision-making; strong statistics background a plus
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional technical procedures, drawings, and government regulations/standards
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to write procedures
- Experience responding to customer inquiries and complaints
- Experience working with cross-functional teams to identify and solve problems
Note: This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. ITAR compliance required: must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from U.S. Department of State/Commerce.
