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Salary: USD 70,000 - 171,600 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure quality requirements for procured parts, services, and processes in the harnessing domain. Based in Long Beach, CA, you will work as a liaison between internal design/manufacturing stakeholders and suppliers, translating technical requirements into clear specifications, driving supplier improvement, and managing priorities between customers and suppliers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategically source and onboard suppliers by assessing capabilities, manufacturing processes, and quality systems
- Develop and implement supplier technical requirements, quality flow downs, and process controls for hardware manufacturing
- Oversee and monitor the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and ensure supplier qualification and reliability activities meet industry standards
- Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends, drive improvement plans, and recommend technical enhancements to reduce risk and defects
- Provide feedback to suppliers to optimize manufacturing methods, reduce costs and cycle times, and increase yields
- Serve as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve quality issues and provide technical support
- Lead supplier root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality gaps, escapes, or containments
- Act as internal owner for supplier SPC, yield improvement, new tool/process qualification, and overall supplier performance
- Lead projects and present findings to internal teams, management, and suppliers
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components, with direct impact on the success of rocket and satellite programs.
QUALIFICATIONS (varies by level):
Supplier Quality Engineer I:
- Experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent
- Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified)
- Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships)
- Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred)
Supplier Quality Engineer II:
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent
- Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified)
- Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing
- Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred)
Senior Supplier Quality Engineer I:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent
- Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified)
- Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing
- Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred)
Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II:
- Minimum 8 years' experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent
- Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified)
- Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing
- Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred)
Nice-to-have qualifications:
- Structured problem-solving experience using 8D, A3, or equivalent RCA methodology
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems; exposure to NADCAP special process requirements
- Knowledge of statistical quality methods: SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), MSA/Gage R&R; Six Sigma or Lean
- Experience with PPAP and related elements: APQP, PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, FAIR
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems; familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Power BI
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to share information and influence across organizational lines
Note: 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. US office candidates must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the US Department of State/Commerce due to ITAR regulations.
