Manufacturing Engineer II - Avionics

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 e...

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each ...

As a Manufacturing Engineer II – Avionics, you will play a key role in facilitating and optimizing production and launch vehicle system tests in a high-growth production environment. You will ensure manufacturing principles are practiced to meet stringent launch timelines, working closely with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across multiple departments. Your responsibilities will include troubleshooting and root-causing production stoppages, developing and optimizing production processes, and implementing new processes through prototyping, testing, and integration. You will autonomously lead root cause analysis investigations, create and approve technical documentation, and drive action towards achieving departmental KPIs.
Facilitate the production of current and future Rocket Lab vehicles
Develop and optimize production and test operations using standard manufacturing best practices (e.g., Lean Six Sigma)
Create FMEAs and action plans; mitigate risk within current processes
Design faultless processes and create RFQs for equipment/tooling requirements
Implement process automation where possible
Provide hands-on technical support for production and test operations
Train production staff on current and future manufacturing processes
Deliver right-first-time project implementation
Establish timelines and execute actions for long-term projects
Coordinate resources and communicate major milestones and risks
Support continuous improvement projects
Create, review, and approve technical documentation for production
Set and support standards for technical documentation
Lead root cause analysis of complex problems using a PPS process
Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with key stakeholders
Communicate major milestones and lessons learned
Become an SME for PLM and ERP systems (Team Center, LN – Infor, internal floor management system [Flame])
Provide DFM approval and feedback
Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed
Wear correct PPE in designated areas
Report near-misses and incidents promptly
Domestic and international travel may be required
Additional duties as reasonably required
Adhere to company policies and procedures

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Mechatronics Engineering, or related field
3+ years’ experience as a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineer
Hands-on technical experience debugging complex electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
Strong communicator with proven ability to deliver clear and concise KPIs
Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, growing environment
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Experience with implementation of major CapEx project delivery
Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
Knowledge of production quality metrics
Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
IQ/PQ process-driven project completion
PPS problem solving
Programming experience with industrial PLCs