Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Components

Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Components

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.

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 - Fluid Components

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Components is responsible for bringing fluid component designs into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Neutron program. You will support the Director of Manufacturing and Production/Fluid Systems organizations by standing up a new component development area, supporting component designs early and leading assembly of Neutron components.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Influence the design of critical Neutron components early in the program to aid in producibility, cost and reliability
• Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions
• When required, lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations
• 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
• 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

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace or similar engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or qualification testing

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing
• 8+ years of experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or qualification testing
• Experience with orbital tube welding and tube bending highly preferred
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
• Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices
• Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast-paced 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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only) $115,000 - $165,000 USD