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.
ELECTRON
Rocket Lab’s Electron team builds, tests, and launches the Electron rocket across facilities in New Zealand and the United States. As one of the world’s most frequently launched rockets, Electron’s success is driven by a fast-moving, high-performing team committed to delivering reliable launch capability time and time again.
At the core of this success is Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team - the builders and problem-solvers who bring rockets, satellites, and critical space systems to life. Working with advanced machinery and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, the team transforms engineering designs into high-quality hardware delivered on time and at scale.
Rocket Lab is at the forefront of space innovation and is seeking talented Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineers to join the team. If you meet at least 50% of the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply, as multiple opportunities are available across the business.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY
In this role, you will enable the production team to achieve required production rates while maintaining the highest quality standards. You’ll play a critical role in supporting all aspects of production at Rocket Lab by taking ownership of products released to production, removing production blockers, dispositioning non-conformance tickets, performing root-cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
You will also be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes and procedures. Leveraging your strong working knowledge of both the product and best-practice manufacturing techniques, you’ll work closely with the production team to optimize processes, develop manufacturing best practices, and implement new processes through prototyping, testing, and integration.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong problem-solving and risk mitigation skills with proven experience in a manufacturing setting.
- Background in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
- Proficiency in technical documentation and project ownership.
- Experience with PLM/ERP systems and lean manufacturing principles.
- Skilled in new product implementation and tooling design.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience in environmental/production testing (vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum).
- Knowledge of instrumentation (power supplies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, pressure sensors).
At Rocket Lab, you’ll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects, tackle exciting challenges, and contribute to shaping the future of space exploration. If you’re ready to take your career to new heights, apply now and join us in redefining what’s possible in the aerospace industry!
Join us in 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.