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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Supplier Development Engineer (I or II) to lead end-to-end supplier industrialization for mechanical hardware across a broad portfolio. Based in Long Beach, CA, this hands-on, supplier-facing role owns the technical supply base for complex mechanical domains including CNC machining, electro-mechanical assemblies, structural composites, 3D printing, and raw materials.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead supplier source selection, process qualification, NPI, PPAP, and production ramp to ensure conforming hardware delivery at rate, cost, and schedule targets.
• Partner with procurement and engineering to evaluate suppliers across CNC machining, EDM, grinding, additive manufacturing, welding, and electro-mechanical assembly capabilities.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments during qualification, evaluating tooling maturity, measurement systems, process controls, and workforce qualification.
• Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with design engineering early in program stages, providing feedback on feature complexity, datum schemes, tolerance stack-ups, and cost/quality drivers.
• Own the APQP process at suppliers, driving completion of process flow, PFMEA, control plans, MSA/GR&R, and dimensional results on schedule.
• Drive PPAP programs as production readiness gates; define submission levels, disposition packages, and ensure Cpk demonstration on critical characteristics.
• Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and coordinate with internal quality teams to resolve findings within project timelines.
• Identify systemic performance gaps and own supplier improvement plans with measurable progress against quality, cost, delivery, and capacity targets.
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) for supplier quality issues using structured problem-solving (8D, 5-Why) and validate sustained corrective actions.
• Apply lean manufacturing and statistical quality tools (SPC, Cpk trending, process audits) to drive continuous improvement and eliminate recurring defects.
For Senior I: Minimum 5 years in regulated industries (aerospace, medical, automotive, industrial); Bachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering; working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, MSA, and Cpk/Ppk; DFM review experience; ability to read engineering drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and 3D CAD.
For Senior II: Minimum 8 years in regulated industries with deeper expertise and broader scope.
This role operates at the intersection of design, manufacturing, procurement, and quality, serving as the ultimate internal advocate for supply chain manufacturability and capability.
