Manufacturing Engineer I - Propulsion
About The Position
Based at Rocket Lab’s Engine Development Center in Long Beach, California, the Manufacturing Engineer I – Propulsion oversees the introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions for Launch and Space Systems engines. The role supports the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and the Production organization, with deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. The engineer contributes manufacturing expertise throughout product and production development, including design for manufacture and test, production planning and layout, equipment selection and commissioning, process documentation, quality investigations, tooling development, continuous improvement, and automation. The position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers competitive compensation that includes base pay and company equity. The comprehensive benefits package includes an Employee Stock Purchase Program, medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
- Understanding of fluid and structural mechanics fundamentals.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes for aerospace materials.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced engineering degree, preferably in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components.
- Experience with assembly and testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices.
- Experience designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area.
- Experience with manufacturing processes such as TIG, EB and laser welding, heat treating, metal forming, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and precision cleaning.
- Experience transitioning products from design to production as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
- Experience performing root cause and corrective action projects and PFMEA/DFMEA of manufacturing processes and products.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to design reviews as a manufacturing expert, addressing design for manufacture and test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, and quality control.
- Perform initial Value Stream Mapping exercises and develop Method of Manufacture plans and cell designs.
- Implement factory layouts; select equipment; and manage factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and production commissioning.
- Develop production processes and ensure they are clearly and accurately documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements, and supervisor signoffs.
- Work with the quality team to resolve manufacturing engineering quality responsibilities and, when required, lead problem containment and structured root cause and corrective action investigations.
- Design, develop, and implement production tooling and equipment where appropriate to improve quality, delivery, or cost performance.
- Lead continuous improvement in the assigned area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S.
- Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems.
Benefits
- Company stock as part of total compensation.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
- Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Subsidized EV charging.
- Onsite fitness centers where available.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Complimentary snacks and beverages.
- 50% employee discount on the company merchandise store and other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
