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

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

10d•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) – Harnessing 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.
Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified)
Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships)
Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred).
Minimum 2 years' experience (for Level II)
Minimum 5 years' experience (for Senior I)
Minimum 8 years' experience (for Senior II)

Nice To Haves

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.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to share information and influence across organizational lines.

Responsibilities

Strategically source and onboard suppliers by assessing capabilities, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.
Develop and implement supplier technical requirements, quality flow downs, and process controls to meet hardware manufacturing needs.
Oversee and monitor the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and ensure supplier qualification and reliability activities meet industry standards.
Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends, drive improvement plans, and recommend technical product enhancements to reduce risk and defects.
Provide feedback to suppliers to optimize manufacturing methods, reduce costs and cycle times, and increase yields.
Serve as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve quality issues and provide technical support.
Lead supplier root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality gaps, escapes, or containments.
Act as internal owner for supplier SPC, yield improvement, new tool/process qualification, and overall supplier performance in quality, efficiency, and cost.
Lead projects and present findings to internal teams, management, and suppliers.

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