Supplier Quality Engineer II/Senior - Machining

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

1d • $90,000 - $128,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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 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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.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. SUPPLY CHAIN Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success. SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II/SENIOR - MACHINING Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Supplier Quality Engineer II/Senior - Machining is responsible for ensuring quality requirements for procured parts, services, and processes are achieved. Working as a liaison between internal design/manufacturing stakeholders and suppliers, you translate technical requirements into clear specifications, drive supplier improvement, and manage the competing priorities between customers and suppliers. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned parts and assemblies, solving emergent supplier quality challenges and mitigating risk to the manifest. Own production components and assemblies end-to-end - driving improvements in manufacturing methods, identifying new suppliers, and developing reliable rate-ramp processes. Conduct DFM reviews to ensure parts are manufacturable, preferably prior to sourcing. Partner with procurement to vet suppliers for quality capability and takt time alignment. Author and flow down specifications translating Rocket Lab quality and manufacturing requirements to the supply base. Scope forming, cutting, and inspection technologies that improve rate, quality, or efficiency. Drive root cause resolution on assigned part issues; implement changes at suppliers or internally and pursue re-sourcing where warranted. Create and disposition Nonconformance tickets; coordinate rework, repair, or use-as-is dispositions with engineering. Lead containment activities on assigned parts - define scope, align cross-functional stakeholders, and drive to resolution. (This position can be hired as a Supplier Quality Engineer II - Machining or Senior Supplier Quality Engineer I - Machining)

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent.
• Prior experience in a supplier quality role.
• Proficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent.
• Prior experience in a supplier quality role.
• Proficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.

Nice To Haves

• CNC machining operations: milling, turning, 5-axis machining, fixturing/setup practices, tool & die fundamentals, and the ability to review machining routings and process plans.
• Engineering drawings and GD&T per ASME Y14.5, particularly in a machined-components context.
• Propulsion/fluid system component knowledge: pressure hardware, seal faces, fluid interfaces, and associated manufacturing processes (extrusions, seamless/welded tubing, forming, welding, proof/pressure testing).
• Surface finish requirements and their relationship to functional performance — sealing surfaces, fluid interfaces, bearing fits.
• Thread standards and inspection methods (unified, metric, pipe) for fluid system applications.
• Cleanliness and FOD control requirements for propulsion fluid system hardware.
• Welding familiarity: TIG, MIG, and orbital tube welding of stainless and carbon steels.
• Stainless steel grade experience (300 series, 17-4, 15-5) — machinability, weldability, and corrosion considerations.
• Sheet metal forming familiarity: press brake, hydroforming, and tube bending in stainless and carbon steels.
• Structured problem-solving experience using 8D, A3, or equivalent RCA methodology.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems; exposure to NADCAP special process requirements a plus.
• Knowledge of statistical quality methods: SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), MSA/Gage R&R; Six Sigma or Lean a plus.
• Experience with PPAP and related elements: APQP, PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, FAIR.
• Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems; familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Power BI a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to share information and influence across organizational lines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned parts and assemblies, solving emergent supplier quality challenges and mitigating risk to the manifest.
• Own production components and assemblies end-to-end - driving improvements in manufacturing methods, identifying new suppliers, and developing reliable rate-ramp processes.
• Conduct DFM reviews to ensure parts are manufacturable, preferably prior to sourcing.
• Partner with procurement to vet suppliers for quality capability and takt time alignment.
• Author and flow down specifications translating Rocket Lab quality and manufacturing requirements to the supply base.
• Scope forming, cutting, and inspection technologies that improve rate, quality, or efficiency.
• Drive root cause resolution on assigned part issues; implement changes at suppliers or internally and pursue re-sourcing where warranted.
• Create and disposition Nonconformance tickets; coordinate rework, repair, or use-as-is dispositions with engineering.
• Lead containment activities on assigned parts - define scope, align cross-functional stakeholders, and drive to resolution.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees