Manufacturing Engineer II - Mechanical Assembly

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a fully integrated space company that provides responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related solutions, all aimed at expanding access to space. Its rockets and satellites support major missions around the world, including scientific research, Earth observation, climate-related initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations.

The company’s Electron rocket is now one of the most frequently launched U.S. rockets each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. At the same time, Rocket Lab continues developing Neutron, its reusable medium-lift launch vehicle designed for larger constellation missions. Its Space Systems division creates satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Electron and Manufacturing Team

The Electron program is built, tested, and launched from sites in New Zealand and the United States. Its strong launch record is supported by a high-performing team focused on dependable launch capability.

At the heart of that success is Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team, which turns engineering concepts into finished hardware using advanced equipment and modern production methods such as 3D printing. The team works to deliver high-quality products on schedule and at scale.

Rocket Lab is looking for Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineers to join its expanding operations. Candidates who match at least half of the stated criteria are encouraged to apply, as there are multiple openings across the business.

Role Overview

As Manufacturing Engineer II - Mechanical Assembly, you will help the production team meet required output levels while upholding strict quality standards. You will own products once they are released to production, remove obstacles that affect manufacturing, resolve non-conformance tickets, carry out root-cause investigations, and put corrective actions in place.

You will also build, introduce, and refine manufacturing processes and procedures. Using your understanding of the product and proven manufacturing methods, you will work with production teams to improve workflows, establish best practices, and roll out new processes through prototyping, testing, and integration.

What You Will Do

• Support production so output targets are achieved without compromising quality.
• Take responsibility for products after release into manufacturing.
• Identify and clear production bottlenecks and blockers.
• Review and close out non-conformance issues.
• Perform root-cause analysis and drive corrective action implementation.
• Design, document, and improve manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Work with production teams to refine manufacturing methods and best practices.
• Introduce new processes through prototyping, validation, testing, and integration.

Required Background

• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to troubleshoot issues and reduce manufacturing risk.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Academic or professional background in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Ability to prepare technical documentation and manage work independently.
• Hands-on experience with PLM and ERP tools, along with lean manufacturing methods.
• Capability in new product introduction and tooling design.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to environmental or production testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, or vacuum testing.
• Familiarity with test and measurement equipment, including power supplies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and pressure sensors.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab operates in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where teams work with urgency, discipline, and strong collaboration. The company values teamwork, practical problem-solving, resilience, and a willingness to take on tasks of every size. Teams are expected to perform under pressure, meet demanding deadlines, and stay focused on delivery.

Important Information

For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only: Employment is subject to U.S. Government export-control rules, including ITAR. Eligible workers must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise able to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected characteristic. This applies to all employment terms, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, termination, compensation, training, and leave.

Requests for reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process for U.S. roles should be directed to Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This contact is intended only for candidates whose disability prevents them from applying or interviewing normally, and responses may take up to two business days.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: Background checks will be completed before any offer is made, including nationality checks. This role requires eligibility to access equipment and data regulated under U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Under these regulations, you may not qualify if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.