Rocket Lab
Manufacturing Engineer I/II – Fluid Systems
Rocket Lab – Long Beach, CA
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 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.
NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!
Responsibilities
Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components according to aerospace specifications.
Utilize TIG, MIG, OTW and other welding methods to achieve the required structural integrity.
Conduct thorough inspections of welded components, employing NDE/NDT methods to identify and rectify defects.
Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.
Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations when required.
Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non‑conformances.
Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality‑related initiatives and improvements.
Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes.
Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases.
Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques.
Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist.
(This position can be hired as a Manufacturing Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer II.)
Qualifications – Manufacturing Engineer I (Fluid Systems)
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline.
Knowledge developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning.
Experience setting up and/or operating a tube shop or build area.
Qualifications – Manufacturing Engineer II (Fluid Systems)
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline.
2 + years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning.
Experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area.
Nice to Have Qualifications
Ability to create and deliver accurate and concise presentations for design, manufacturing, and quality.
Strong knowledge of metal working and fabrication processes.
Experience designing tooling in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
Hands‑on with a passion for continuous improvement and building the best hardware.
Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision in a timely manner.
Adaptable and comfortable in an exciting, dynamic and ever‑evolving 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.
Salary and Benefits Base Pay Range (CA Only): $80,000 – $120,000 USD.
Benefits include medical (HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan option), dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility may vary based on employment status; please check with your recruiter for details. Other perks include company equity and other benefits.
Employment Details Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility 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.
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.
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, 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.
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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 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.
NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!
Responsibilities
Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components according to aerospace specifications.
Utilize TIG, MIG, OTW and other welding methods to achieve the required structural integrity.
Conduct thorough inspections of welded components, employing NDE/NDT methods to identify and rectify defects.
Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.
Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations when required.
Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non‑conformances.
Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality‑related initiatives and improvements.
Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes.
Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases.
Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques.
Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist.
(This position can be hired as a Manufacturing Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer II.)
Qualifications – Manufacturing Engineer I (Fluid Systems)
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline.
Knowledge developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning.
Experience setting up and/or operating a tube shop or build area.
Qualifications – Manufacturing Engineer II (Fluid Systems)
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline.
2 + years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning.
Experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area.
Nice to Have Qualifications
Ability to create and deliver accurate and concise presentations for design, manufacturing, and quality.
Strong knowledge of metal working and fabrication processes.
Experience designing tooling in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
Hands‑on with a passion for continuous improvement and building the best hardware.
Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision in a timely manner.
Adaptable and comfortable in an exciting, dynamic and ever‑evolving 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.
Salary and Benefits Base Pay Range (CA Only): $80,000 – $120,000 USD.
Benefits include medical (HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan option), dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility may vary based on employment status; please check with your recruiter for details. Other perks include company equity and other benefits.
Employment Details Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility 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.
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.
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, 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr