ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ENGINEERING

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER
Join Rocket Lab as a Supplier Quality Engineer II and play a crucial role in ensuring the highest quality standards for our procured parts, services, and processes. In this position, you will act as a vital link between our internal teams and suppliers, translating technical requirements into clear, achievable specifications. Your outstanding communication and negotiation skills will inspire suppliers to enhance their quality processes, drive cost reductions, and improve efficiency. Youll adeptly manage the balance between customer and supplier priorities, ensuring smooth operations.

Key responsibilities include creating non-conformance reports, conducting supplier audits, managing supplier concessions, and identifying opportunities for improvement to minimize risk, cost, and lead time for Rocket Lab. If you are passionate about quality and innovation, we want you on our team!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Driving the continuous improvement of product quality
Performing on site and remote supplier audits
Creation of internal and external quality control plans; specifically quality standards, processes and procedures
Running Non-Conformance reports ad performing quality investigations
Identifying processes failures at suppliers and manage root causes of non-conformances
Implementation of corrective actions
Deploying PFMEA tools, techniques & training to support targeted improvement actions
Creation of internal Engineering Change Requests to support improved manufacturability of parts.
Support suppliers with scaling up their production processes to achieve the future quality, cost and delivery targets.
Follow-up & verify corrective action implementations and audit findings
Provide strong focus on quality improvement at source and driving cost reduction opportunities.
Working with suppliers to introduce new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP processes)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum 5 Years’ experience working in a high quality, process driven environment
Degree qualified in a relevant technical field such as engineering, science, business management etc
Practical experience leading and investigating quality related issues
Experience with Root cause Investigations, Practical Problem solving, 8D’s, 5 Why’s, Fishbone diagrams, Ishikawa and/or similar problem-solving tools
The ability to interpret engineering drawings and geometric dimensions
Problem solving attitude
Proactive, enthusiastic, self-motivated
The ability to learn quickly and work productively without direct supervision
Experience working under pressure and to tight deadlines
Highly organised with faultless attention to detail
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Previous experience in a supplier quality role
Experience leading and managing projects
Experience working within a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive etc
Exposure to regulatory standards such as AS9100, ISO13485, IATF 16949 or similar
Experience with a wide range of specialised technical manufacturing processes
Lean/six sigma experience
NPI/APQP/PPAP experience
Understanding of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), Gauge R&R
Developing KPI’s for performance reporting

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.