Manufacturing Engineer II/Senior - Machining

Manufacturing Engineer II/Senior - Machining Long Beach, CA May 14, 2026

$100K - $155K

We are currently seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a focus in Machining based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The role involves machining development of new products and product revisions related to the Rutherford engine and the Archimedes engine.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc. Select, procure, and install machine shop equipment along with developing maintenance/calibration plans. Develop machining capability in-house for the Archimedes components and implement rapid iterations. Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery and/or cost performance. Responsible for continuous improvement and cost reduction projects belonging to the fabrication department. Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for general alignment, capability, and support. Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and machinists daily. QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - MACHINING Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent. 2+ years of machine shop experience. Ability to rapidly iterate NX CAM programs and operate 5-axis CNC equipment. Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods. QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - MACHINING Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent. 5+ years of machine shop experience. Ability to rapidly iterate NX CAM programs and operate 5-axis CNC equipment. Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping. 8+ years of machine shop experience. Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design. Experience machining turbomachinery and combustion device components. Familiarity with post processing methods, AM and welding.

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.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base Salary: $100,000—$155,000 USD (CA Only) 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. ITAR AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS – US Offices 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, or lawfully admitted 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. ITAR AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS – New Zealand Offices 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.

LEGAL NOTICE – EEO

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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co