Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Vehicle Integration

Rocket Lab is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Vehicle Integration to play a critical role in enabling the production, testing, and launch of our vehicles in a fast-growing, high-performance manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you’ll own manufacturing processes end-to-end, lead complex problem solving, and help set the standard for manufacturing excellence across our production and test operations.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Are you ready to tackle challenges, navigate unknowns, and make a real impact in aerospace? Our team supports day-to-day production line issues, drives efficiency projects, reduces waste, and manages new product introductions - from testing to production.

We oversee integration, final assembly, and testing processes, ensuring seamless workflows and sign-offs. From LC1 to LC2, we manage final builds and thrive on versatility. We’re looking for individuals with a broad skill set - electrical, mechanical, and software expertise who can adapt quickly, solve problems, and embrace challenges. While our team is mechanically strong, we’d love to see more electrical expertise.

If you’re passionate about aerospace, thrive in chaos, and love learning fast, this is the role for you!

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

Manufacturing & Process Excellence

• Lead production for current and future Rocket Lab vehicles, developing and optimizing robust, fault-free manufacturing and test processes.
• Implement manufacturing best practices (Lean, Six Sigma), own FMEAs, and drive risk mitigation strategies and action plans.
• Manage RFQs for equipment and tooling to support efficient production operations.

Project Delivery & Continuous Improvement

• Lead right-first-time project implementations, including major CAPEX and process improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate resources, manage risks, and communicate milestones while driving continuous improvement efforts.
• Coach junior engineers on project execution and delivery.

Technical Leadership & Documentation

• Set and steer technical documentation standards and strategies across the business.
• Lead root cause analysis using PPS methodologies and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving teams.
• Capture lessons learned, ensure follow-up actions, and drive future documentation improvements.

Production Systems & Support

• Act as SME for production systems (Siemens Teamcenter, Infor LN ERP, internal floor management systems).
• Provide onsite production and test support, approve DFM feedback, and train staff on new processes.

Health, Safety & Professional Standards