Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Assembly & IntegrationLong Beach, CARocket 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.Manufacturing Engineering powers Rocket Lab's factories from concept to full-scale production. We turn early ideas into manufacturable designs, build and optimize the systems that make them real, and constantly push for faster, better, smarter ways to build. We engineer the factories that build the rockets, boosting quality, cutting cost, and accelerating build rate.This role focuses on improving manufacturing processes by conducting feasibility studies, supporting product design for manufacturability, and leading factory setup and optimization. It involves troubleshooting production issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and supporting organizational efficiency through effective change management and business system enhancements.Prepare feasibility studies and conduct manufacturing technology Research & Development projectsPartner with our Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into our products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scaleEngineer and deliver our factories – design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processesSupport Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate the production ramp upTake engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiencyTriage and diagnose failures, conduct deep technical investigations and determine the right path forward including risk mitigation actions and root cause resolutionCollaborate with cross functional teams to resolve complex issuesDrive process improvements across manufacturing, test and integrationContribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changesSupport business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiencyBachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or similar5+ years of technical experience in a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering environmentHands-on experience proactively identifying and solving systemic multifaceted problems in complex manufacturing systemsAbility to effectively deliver on multiple complex multifaceted assignments simultaneously with autonomyAbility to effectively coach and mentor others to raise the bar across multiple teamsDetailed technical knowledge in complex manufacturing processesWorking experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuumUnderstanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensorsExperience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build areaExperience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environmentDemonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective actionThis position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.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.$115,000 - $155,000 USDWe'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.