Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - PCBA

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - PCBA role 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

PCB / PCBA Electronics-Specific PCB fabrication processes: lamination, drilling, plating, surface finish (ENIG, HASL, immersion silver), and solder mask application.
PCBA assembly processes: SMT (reflow, paste inspection, placement), through-hole, selective soldering, wave soldering, and hand soldering per IPC-A-610.
IPC standards fluency: IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/21, IPC-6012; ability to apply acceptability criteria directly in supplier audits and NCR disposition.
First article and qualification processes for PCBs and PCBAs including UL certification, material traceability, and layer stack-up verification.
Test methods for electronics: ICT, flying probe, functional test, X-ray inspection, AOI, and conformal coating inspection.
Failure analysis techniques relevant to electronics: cross-sectioning, SEM/EDS, delamination/intermetallic analysis.
Cleanliness and contamination control requirements (ionic contamination testing, no-clean vs. wash processes).
Understanding of component qualification and counterfeit parts mitigation (AS5553, AS6081).
Familiarity with ESD controls, handling requirements, and MSL compliance (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033).
Experience with electronics-specific quality systems and NADCAP Electronics accreditation.

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 advanced depaneling (cutting), optical inspection (AOI), and X-ray 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

Company stock as part of your total compensation package
Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock)
Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company 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 our popular merch store
Variety of other employee discounts