Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Auckland, NZ

On-site

Posted March 9, 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete reentry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we’re going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The purpose of the Senior Manufacturing Engineer is to facilitate and optimize production and testing processes, primarily in support of on-orbit Ion Propulsion. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will provide feedback during the Ion Propulsion development phase and ultimately oversee the transition of Avionics systems from R&D into scaled manufacturing. This position will work closely and develop strong relationships with Engineers, Technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable the delivery of Ion Propulsion systems to both internal and external customers.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Develop, implement, maintain and improve quality documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and inspection records.
Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to improve productivity by eliminating waste, driving process and quality improvement using lean initiatives.
Organize and lead periodic reviews and audits of manufacturing processes and their performance at an organization level.
Analyze data to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance overall product quality and performance.
Train and mentor production staff on quality standards and best practices.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

5+ years in a quality, project, manufacturing, or design engineering role.
Bachelor’s degree in electrical, manufacturing, mechanical or material sciences engineering.
Experience with process and test method validation activities.
Strong knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning, Metrology, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Control Plans.
Practical experience with Quality Management Systems and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Has demonstrated skills within the rocket propulsion industry where applicable to deliver required company outcomes.
Uses experience/skill to make good engineering decisions and evaluate feasibility of engineering method.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: