Senior Manufacturing Engineering

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.

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. 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.

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!

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I/ SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II

We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to be based at Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing technologies and processes used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

Support Neutron integration engineers in developing and enabling day‑to‑day execution of the 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, fluid system, avionics, and AFTS. Collect and document feedback for design and manufacturing teams through lessons learned during the build.

Develop clear work instructions to ensure good communication between engineering and technicians.

Maintain integrated planning documents that are inclusive of Launch Vehicle configurations and work scope.

Develop, build, and maintain Neutron processing facilities.

Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals.

This position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or a Senior Manufacturing Engineer II.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

Bachelor of Science degree in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, or related degree required.

5+years of experience in building and testing hardware associated with space launch vehicles or similar aerospace and defense hardware. (internships and school projects qualify)

Demonstrated ability to model with 3D CAD, produce prints, and work with large assemblies

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II

Bachelor of Science degree in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, or related degree required.

8+years of experience in building and testing hardware associated with space launch vehicles or similar aerospace and defense hardware. (internships and school projects qualify)

Demonstrated ability to model with 3D CAD, produce prints, and work with large assemblies

Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary functions of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.

Experience working on build, test of complex assemblies at the system and sub‑system level.

Demonstrated experience managing complex projects which led to successful outcomes

This 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.

Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including:

Company equity

Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option

Dental and vision coverage

11 paid holidays per year

Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Discounted employee stock purchase program

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., S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.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 g.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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.