Rocket Lab
Overview
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems for missions to the Moon and Mars and for partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Position: Quality Inspection Engineer I/II Based at Rocket Labs site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Quality Inspection Engineer will develop and execute detailed inspection plans to evaluate product quality at various stages, address non-conforming parts, and collaborate with teams to resolve issues and implement corrective actions. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms, including separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. What youll get to do
Develop and maintain detailed inspection plans for incoming, in-process, and final product evaluations based on engineering drawings and specifications. Review inspection results and determine appropriate disposition of non-conforming parts, including rework, scrap, or return to supplier. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and implement corrective actions. Analyze inspection data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Support the creation and refinement of quality procedures, work instructions, and control plans. Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities related to product quality. Interface with suppliers to address quality concerns and ensure compliance with specifications. Maintain documentation of inspection activities, dispositions, and quality metrics for internal and external reporting. Ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality policies. Note:
This position can be hired at the Quality Inspection Engineer I or Quality Inspection Engineer II level. Qualifications
Quality Inspection Engineer I
Bachelors degree in engineering, quality, or related field, or Associates degree in engineering, quality, or related field + 2 years of quality experience in a production or highly regulated manufacturing environment (in lieu of a bachelors degree) Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawings Experience creating inspection plans and interpreting inspection results Experience with quality tools such as PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis Quality Inspection Engineer II
Bachelors degree in engineering, quality, or related field, or Associates degree in engineering, quality, or related field + 4 years of quality experience in a production or highly regulated manufacturing environment (in lieu of a bachelors degree) Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawings 2+ years of experience creating inspection plans and interpreting inspection results Experience with quality tools such as PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis Nice to have
Excellent communication and documentation skills Proficiency with ERP and MES systems Experience in the aerospace industry Familiarity with Tulip MES, Siemens Teamcenter PLM, or Infor LN ERP software Quality engineering certifications (e.g., CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) Experience implementing and using statistical process controls Additional requirements
Vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly 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 Compensation and benefits
Base salary range for this role (MD) is $63,000 $95,000 USD. Base salary is one component of total rewards, which may include equity and a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, 401(k) with company match, and additional perks). What to expect
Rocket Lab is on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. We value hard work, relentless innovation, teamwork, and delivering under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Compliance and notices
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Candidates may be required to complete background checks and security clearances as part of the process. EEO and accessibility
Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on protected characteristics. Information collected via voluntary self-identification is confidential and used for legal compliance reporting only. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems for missions to the Moon and Mars and for partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Position: Quality Inspection Engineer I/II Based at Rocket Labs site in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Quality Inspection Engineer will develop and execute detailed inspection plans to evaluate product quality at various stages, address non-conforming parts, and collaborate with teams to resolve issues and implement corrective actions. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms, including separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. What youll get to do
Develop and maintain detailed inspection plans for incoming, in-process, and final product evaluations based on engineering drawings and specifications. Review inspection results and determine appropriate disposition of non-conforming parts, including rework, scrap, or return to supplier. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and implement corrective actions. Analyze inspection data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Support the creation and refinement of quality procedures, work instructions, and control plans. Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities related to product quality. Interface with suppliers to address quality concerns and ensure compliance with specifications. Maintain documentation of inspection activities, dispositions, and quality metrics for internal and external reporting. Ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality policies. Note:
This position can be hired at the Quality Inspection Engineer I or Quality Inspection Engineer II level. Qualifications
Quality Inspection Engineer I
Bachelors degree in engineering, quality, or related field, or Associates degree in engineering, quality, or related field + 2 years of quality experience in a production or highly regulated manufacturing environment (in lieu of a bachelors degree) Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawings Experience creating inspection plans and interpreting inspection results Experience with quality tools such as PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis Quality Inspection Engineer II
Bachelors degree in engineering, quality, or related field, or Associates degree in engineering, quality, or related field + 4 years of quality experience in a production or highly regulated manufacturing environment (in lieu of a bachelors degree) Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawings 2+ years of experience creating inspection plans and interpreting inspection results Experience with quality tools such as PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis Nice to have
Excellent communication and documentation skills Proficiency with ERP and MES systems Experience in the aerospace industry Familiarity with Tulip MES, Siemens Teamcenter PLM, or Infor LN ERP software Quality engineering certifications (e.g., CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) Experience implementing and using statistical process controls Additional requirements
Vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly 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 Compensation and benefits
Base salary range for this role (MD) is $63,000 $95,000 USD. Base salary is one component of total rewards, which may include equity and a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, 401(k) with company match, and additional perks). What to expect
Rocket Lab is on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. We value hard work, relentless innovation, teamwork, and delivering under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Compliance and notices
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Candidates may be required to complete background checks and security clearances as part of the process. EEO and accessibility
Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on protected characteristics. Information collected via voluntary self-identification is confidential and used for legal compliance reporting only. #J-18808-Ljbffr