Supplier Quality Engineer II/Senior - Mechanical

Rocket Lab USA • Long Beach, CA

122d • $70,000 - $130,000

About The Position

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. 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. The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (mechanical components), services & processes are achieved for our Neutron launch vehicle. Working as a liaison between our internal customers and suppliers you are a critical conduit for translating technical requirements into easy and clear specifications that suppliers can achieve.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree OR equivalent years of work experience (9+ years total experience)
• 2+ years of experience working in a regulated industry, such as Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or Industrial

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to regulatory standards such as AS9100, IS09001, ISO13485, IATF 16949
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge
• Fabrication, CNC, and 3D printing knowledge
• Experience developing KPI's for performance reporting
• Practical experience leading and investigating quality related issues
• Experience with Root cause Investigations, Practical Problem solving, 8D's, 5 Why's, Fishbone diagrams, Ishikawa and/or similar problem-solving tools
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and geometric dimensions
• Experience leading and managing projects
• Experience successfully developing and introducing new products to production
• Experience with a wide range of specialized technical manufacturing processes
• Lean/six sigma experience
• NPI/APQP/PPAP experience
• Understanding of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), Gauge R&R

Responsibilities

• Establish fundamental Supplier Quality systems and processes to drive the business forward
• Generate metrics and tools to enhance visibility of supplier performance
• Continuous improvement of purchased product quality
• Performing on site and remote supplier audits
• Creation of internal and external quality control plans
• Creation of quality standards, processes, and procedures
• Creation of Non-Conformance reports and CAPA management
• Performing quality investigations
• Identifying processes failures at suppliers
• Drive to understand root causes and ensure implementation of corrective actions
• Deploying PFMEA tools, techniques & training to support targeted improvement actions
• Support suppliers with scaling up their production processes to achieve the future quality cost and delivery targets
• Follow-up & verify corrective action implementations and audit findings
• Strong focus on quality improvement at source and driving cost reduction opportunities
• Working with suppliers to introduce new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP)
• Liaise between suppliers, development, production, and senior management
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed at both Rocket Lab and supplier sites

Benefits

• 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
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree