ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - AVIONICS
In this role you’ll have the rare opportunity to work hands-on with Electron, our proven satellite launcher, and Neutron, our next-generation medium-lift rocket. You’ll be at the forefront of transitioning these vehicles from R&D to production, ensuring they meet the highest standards of reliability and performance. This role is more than just engineering – it’s about taking ownership, solving complex problems, and driving innovation in a fast-paced, test-heavy production environment.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Take ownership of critical projects, ensuring processes are optimised for production and testing.
- Solve problems across avionics, electrical, mechanical, and software systems, bridging gaps between disciplines to deliver seamless solutions.
- Contribute to the transition of Neutron hardware from prototype to production by supporting rigorous testing processes and ensuring all systems meet operational standards.
- Investigate and resolve non-conformances by working with cross-functional teams, including production, design, and engineering.
- Work closely with production teams, designers, and engineers across avionics, electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines.
- Build strong relationships with technicians and subject matter experts to enable efficient testing and operations.
- Coordinate efforts between mechanical engineers and avionics specialists to address compatibility challenges, ensuring all systems integrate flawlessly.
- Develop and implement processes that streamline testing operations, ensuring overflow tasks are managed effectively.
- Be deeply involved in day-to-day production and testing, ensuring hardware is reliable and ready for launch.
SCHEDULE:
- 4-Day Week (Mon–Thurs) | Late Start | Long Weekends, Every Week
- Hours: 3:00 PM – 1:30 AM
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience as a Manufacturing/Production/Process Engineer.
- Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven leadership and coaching experience.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to write clear and concise KPIs.
- Flexibility and a can-do attitude to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN.
- Knowledge of production quality metrics.
- Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.
- Compliance-driven manufacturing change implementation.
- PPS problem-solving expertise
If you’re passionate about manufacturing, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and driving innovation in aerospace, we want to hear from you!
Apply now and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of space exploration.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.