Supplier Quality Engineer Trainee

Job Description

Job Description

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.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab's Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers' missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER TRAINEE

As a Supplier Quality Engineer Trainee at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, California site, you will participate in a structured development program focused on building foundational skills in supplier quality, manufacturing processes, and engineering support . This role provides hands‑on exposure to supplier assessments, quality systems, and production operations within the aerospace industry.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

As a trainee, you will work closely with Supplier Quality Engineers, mentors, and cross‑functional teams to develop both technical and professional capabilities:

• Support supplier quality activities including incoming inspection, supplier performance tracking, and documentation reviews
• Assist in evaluating supplier processes, identifying risks, and helping drive corrective actions under guidance
• Learn how to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements for supplied components
• Participate in root‑cause analysis and problem‑solving activities related to supplier‑related nonconformances
• Collaborate with internal teams (Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering) to ensure supplier readiness and compliance
• Attend regular 1:1 sessions with mentors and supervisors to track progress and support your development
• Gain exposure to quality tools, aerospace standards, and supplier management processes

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates are curious, detail‑oriented, and eager to grow within a high‑performing engineering environment. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to learn quickly, communicate effectively, and contribute to supplier quality initiatives.

• Strong interest in supplier quality, manufacturing, engineering, or related technical fields
• Ability to analyze information, follow structured processes, and document findings clearly
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated experience through hands‑on projects, technical coursework, or exposure to engineering concepts

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Familiarity with engineering drawings or GD&T
• Exposure to quality tools such as root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, or Six Sigma
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar engineering tools
• Prior project or laboratory experience involving mechanical, manufacturing, or quality concepts

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice
• Must be able to comply with all site‑specific safety and operational requirements
• This position may require occasional local travel to supplier locations, scheduled to accommodate part-time working hours.

COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS

• Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly
• This is a part‑time, fixed‑term contract role , and compensation is paid hourly for all hours worked.

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)

$28—$28 USD

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.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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:

For security reasons, 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. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.