Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Fluid Systems
About The Position
Based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Fluid Systems will develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for propulsion components, assemblies, and integration. The role draws on working knowledge of additive manufacturing, machining, welding, assembly, integration, tooling, testing, and quality techniques. The position focuses on developing and qualifying precision welding and fabrication processes for tubing components, inspecting welded parts, resolving manufacturing discrepancies, and coordinating process improvements across production, quality, supply chain, and design engineering. It also leads continuous improvement efforts and the development of operational processes and production capabilities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing, and cleaning.
- Experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area.
Nice To Haves
- At least 8 years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing, and cleaning.
- Ability to create and deliver accurate, concise presentations for design, manufacturing, and quality.
- Strong knowledge of metalworking and fabrication processes.
- Experience designing tooling in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on approach and passion for continuous improvement and building high-quality hardware.
- Ability to solve complex problems promptly with little to no supervision.
- Adaptability and comfort working in an exciting, dynamic, and evolving environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components according to aerospace specifications.
- Use TIG, MIG, OTW, and other welding methods to achieve required structural integrity.
- Inspect welded components and use NDE/NDT methods to identify and rectify defects.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.
- Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations when required.
- Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances.
- Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality initiatives and improvements.
- Act as a liaison among production, quality, supply chain, and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes.
- Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparing business cases.
- Lead continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques.
- Develop, introduce, and maintain planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist.
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.
- Other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
