Manufacturing Engineer I / IISilver Spring, MD

Manufacturing Engineer I / II

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

Space Systems

Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab : from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

Manufacturing Engineer I / II

As a Manufacturing Engineer at Rocket Lab's Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will be responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving manufacturing processes for aerospace components. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms; their products include separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note : This role can be hired at the Manufacturing Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer II level)

What You'll Get To Do :

• Drive manufacturability into new and existing products using Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles
• Identify and implement quality and production efficiency improvements to aerospace mechanisms
• Identify, design and implement production tooling and automation equipment to improve quality, efficiency and cost
• Implement and track manufacturing KPIs to improve production efficiency
• Develop and maintain continuous manufacturing improvement processes
• Refine and develop production procedures (work instructions) that facilitate efficient, repeatable and reliable manufacturing
• Engage in non-conformance investigations and drive resolution via root cause analysis and CAPA determination
• Travel to other Rocket Lab facilities, suppliers, conferences, and customers

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Manufacturing Engineer I :

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Manufacturing Engineer II :

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have :

Additional Requirements :

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations : job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including : top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include : discounted employee stock purchase program, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x / week, and free snacks / drinks. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only) $67,000 - $102,000 USD

What To Expect :

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information :

For candidates seeking to work in US offices only : To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and / or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application / interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply / interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only : For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.