Senior Production Planner

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a space company that delivers launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite parts, and related solutions to expand access to space. Its rockets and satellites support scientific research, Earth observation, climate-focused missions, national security efforts, and technology demonstrations.

The Electron rocket has grown into one of the most frequently launched U.S. rockets each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. The company is also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division creates satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware chosen for NASA lunar and Mars missions and parts used in the James Webb Space Telescope.

Rocket Lab emphasizes action over talk and focuses on delivering complex aerospace programs that make a real impact.

About the Supply Chain Team

The Supply Chain group manages the movement of materials, products, and components across the business. Because many of Rocket Lab’s own products are mission-critical, this team plays a direct role in the success of rocket and satellite programs. Their work includes preparing assembly kits for Electron production, controlling inventory, managing shipping and receiving, handling direct and indirect procurement, and checking that materials and products meet required standards.

Role Overview

As a Senior Production Planner in Auckland, New Zealand, you will help support the production of Electron rockets or satellite systems. The role centers on building and maintaining production schedules, improving workflow efficiency, and making sure materials arrive on time. Success in this position requires strong attention to detail, initiative, teamwork, and the ability to perform well in a fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for daily scheduling discipline, supporting timely completion of work orders, and helping ensure production meets the Master Production Schedule. You will also work with manufacturing engineering and inventory control to resolve mismatches in raw material and semi-finished goods inventory. In addition, you will contribute supply chain reporting and deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

Requirements

The ideal candidate brings at least 5 years of experience in production planning or a closely related role, preferably within manufacturing or engineering. You should be comfortable working with MS Office, ERP platforms, mathematics, and statistics, and understand ERP planning processes including MRP. Strong analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to turn findings into practical recommendations are important. A flexible, collaborative mindset is also essential in a rapidly growing and sometimes uncertain environment.

Preferred Qualifications

It would be an advantage to have experience with shop floor production control and MRP systems, exposure to aerospace or automotive manufacturing, and prior experience in a high-growth business. The ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand production methods and limitations is also beneficial.

Working Conditions

This position may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer-based work. Occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes may occur in production areas.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab operates in a demanding environment that requires determination, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and a strong commitment to achieving ambitious goals. The team values mutual support, humility, hands-on effort, and the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines while staying focused on delivery.

Important Information for U.S. Candidates

For roles in U.S. offices, employment is subject to export-control requirements under ITAR and related U.S. regulations. Eligible candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylum holder, or otherwise able to obtain the required authorizations from the relevant U.S. government departments.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on protected grounds, including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. This policy applies to hiring and all other terms of employment.

Applicants in the United States who need a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process may contact the designated accommodation resource provided by the employer. This contact is intended only for candidates whose disabilities prevent them from applying or interviewing normally, and responses may take up to two business days.

Important Information for New Zealand Candidates

For security reasons, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because the role requires access to equipment and data controlled under U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these regulations, you may not be eligible 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.