Manufacturing Engineer - Fabrication & Machining

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Auckland, NZ

On-site

Posted March 25, 2026

Job Description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

MANUFACTURING

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER – FABRICATION & MACHINING

Drive innovation and efficiency as a Manufacturing Engineer II – Fabrication & Machining! In this dynamic role, you'll optimize processes, enhance production quality, and implement cutting-edge solutions to meet operational goals. Collaborate across teams to tackle technical challenges, streamline workflows, and fuel continuous improvement. Make an impact by delivering top-tier products while ensuring safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness! Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Design, implement, and improve manufacturing systems for complex, fast-paced projects.
Establish and document processes and instructions related to the Quality Management System (QMS), Work Instructions, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Collect production data, analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify trends to drive improvements.
Define and implement tool life management strategies to optimize production line performance and reduce downtime.
Take ownership of the Non-Conformance Reporting and Root Cause Management.
Part creation, routings and workflows for production.
Perform process validation activities, Equipment Acceptance Testing and First Article Inspection as required.
Provide support for inspection activities as required.
Support development projects by creating action plans, designing fixtures, and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Identify opportunities for automation and implement cutting-edge solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workloads.
Lead initiatives to improve existing processes, boost operational efficiency, and deliver measurable results.
Contribute to high-impact strategic projects and business cases, including capital investments in new equipment and technologies.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related
1+ year experience with quality management systems.
Strong communicator, with proven ability to deliver KPl's with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member

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