Quality Engineer II / Senior - Machining

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Long Beach, CA

On-site

Posted February 27, 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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

QUALITY ENGINEER II / SENIOR - MACHINING 

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Quality Engineer II / Senior - Machining is responsible for Launch Systems operations including pump and engine assemblies at Rocket Lab’s Rutherford and Archimedes Propulsion Production. Focus will be on eliminating mission risks and increasing productivity. You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Identify and prioritize risks to mission success.
Create action plans and lead execution of tasks to resolve problems.
Steer cross-functional teams to focus on top-impact actions and hold people accountable for achieving expected milestones.
Support and/or lead process failure mode and effect analysis.
Drive implementation of built-in quality fundamentals – Check-Do-Check.
Provide rapid response and problem resolution for containment and risk mitigation activities.
Identify and categorize quality problems that are impacting the company’s ability to deliver conforming hardware on schedule.
Lead team to deep dive the top problems and properly identify and resolve the root cause of the issues, applying tools like 5 Whys, Cause and Effect analysis and 8Ds.

**(This position can be hired as a Quality Engineer II- Machining or Senior Quality Engineer – Machining Level) **

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A QUALITY ENGINEER II – MACHINING:

Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar with a focus in machine shop environment.
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) proficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER – MACHINING: