Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Fluid Systems
About The Position
Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for its Fluid Systems team, based at its headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role supports Neutron, Rocket Lab’s reusable medium-lift launch vehicle, by developing, implementing, and continually improving manufacturing processes for propulsion components, assemblies, and integration. The work draws on knowledge of additive manufacturing, machining, welding, assembly, integration, tooling, testing, and quality techniques. The engineer will develop and qualify precision welding and fabrication processes for aerospace tubing components, inspect welds using non-destructive evaluation and testing methods, and work with engineering, quality, production, and supply chain teams to address manufacturing issues and implement process changes. The role also leads continuous improvement and may involve planning equipment and production-layout upgrades. Rocket Lab offers competitive base pay and company stock. The posting describes a comprehensive benefits package, employee discounts, and additional workplace perks. The role 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.
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 audiences.
- 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 with little to no supervision and in a timely manner.
- Adaptability and comfort working in an exciting, dynamic, and evolving environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components 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 address 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.
- Liaise among production, quality, supply chain, and design engineering teams to solve complex problems and implement 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
