Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Composites

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Auckland, NZ

On-site

Posted March 19, 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.

We’re looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Composites who enjoys being close to the product- someone who understands how things are designed, built, and improved in the real world.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

In this role, you’ll work across both development and production, helping bring composite structures from prototype through to reliable, repeatable manufacturing. You’ll be involved in everything from tooling and process development to resolving issues on the floor and improving product quality.

You’ll use systems like TeamCenter or Infor LN to manage data and processes, and tools like Siemens NX to support design and manufacturing integration. A big part of the role is problem-solving - analysing non-conformances, leading root cause investigations, and making sure fixes are implemented properly and don’t come back.

We’re looking for someone who understands manufacturing at a systems level. You’re comfortable working with DFMEA, PFMEA, and other structured problem-solving tools. You’ve applied Lean or Six Sigma in practice, and you know how to turn data into decisions using SPC and production metrics. Experience with composites is important - whether that’s tooling, materials, repairs, or assembly into larger systems. You’ll also help define and improve processes so that what we build is not just high-quality, but consistently repeatable.

This role suits someone who takes ownership, works well with others on the floor, and is always looking for ways to improve how things are done—not just maintain the status quo.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

Take products from prototype through to full-scale production, making sure they’re ready for the real world
Design and develop composite tooling, moulds, and manufacturing processes
Work alongside technicians and engineers to solve problems on the floor as they happen
Investigate non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and make sure fixes actually stick
Drive improvements across quality, cost, and delivery—not just maintain the status quo
Build clear, practical procedures so processes are easy to follow and repeatable
Support validation, testing, and implementation of product and process improvements
Use data (SPC, Pareto, etc.) to understand performance and guide better decisions

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

You’re someone who understands how things get built - not just in theory, but in practice.

Experience working with ERP/PLM systems (TeamCenter, Infor LN or similar)
CAD experience, ideally with Siemens NX
A solid background in manufacturing or production environments
Strong understanding of quality systems, metrics, and continuous improvement
Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving (DFMEA, PFMEA, root cause analysis)
Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma tools

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