Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II – Assembly, Integration and Test

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 I/II – ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT): 

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II, specializing in Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT), you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful production, assembly, and testing of Rocket Lab’s cutting-edge spacecraft. 

This role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, hands-on experience with complex systems, and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, quality, and test engineering, to ensure the delivery of high-quality products on time and within budget. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Prepare feasibility studies, conduct manufacturing technology Research and Development projects
• Partner with our Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into our products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale
• Engineer and deliver our factories – design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processes
• Support Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate the production ramp up
• Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiency
• Triage and diagnose failures, conduct deep technical investigations and determine the right path forward including risk mitigation actions and root cause resolution
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to resolve complex issues   
• Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test and integration
• Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changes
• Support business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency 

(This position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level II)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I - ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT):  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT): 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in the related engineering field.
• Experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Familiarity with composite materials and structures.
• Hands-on experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing.
• Experience with environmental testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum) and associated test equipment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast, multifaceted environment. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings. 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules.