Manufacturing Engineer II
Rocket Lab
$129,075 - $136,625 / year
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Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
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!
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II
We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to be based at Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing technologies and processes used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Plan and execute the build and integration of Neutron and associated flight hardware.
- Develop con-ops, design, and drive build of associated ground support tooling and processes for handling components, large assemblies, and integrated modules.
- Develop build methods to increase throughput, reduce opportunities for errors, and simplify processes.
- Support Neutron integration engineers in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of the 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, fluid system, avionics, and AFTS. Including:
- Development and refinement of inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly and system test procedures.
- Collect and document feedback for design and manufacturing teams through lessons learned during the build.
- Develop clear work instructions to ensure good communication between engineering and technicians.
- Contribute, develop, and own build procedures and documentation of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements.
- Maintain integrated planning documents that are inclusive of Launch Vehicle configurations and work scope.
- Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure required testing abilities.
- Develop, build, and maintain Neutron processing facilities.
- Closely collaborate with management staff and peers from other departments and highly skilled technicians on daily routine
- Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I
- Bachelor of Science degree in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, or related degree required.
- 2+ years of experience in building and testing hardware associated with space launch vehicles or similar aerospace and defense hardware. (internships and school projects qualify)
- Demonstrated ability to model with 3D CAD, produce prints, and work with large assemblies
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary functions of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.
- Experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures.
- Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.
- Experience working on build, test of complex assemblies at the system and sub-system level.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex projects which led to successful outcomes
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
- Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
- Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
- Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
- Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and free snacks/drinks onsite.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
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.
Benefits
- health insurance
- vision insurance
- 401(k)
- stock options
- parental leave
- life insurance
- disability insurance
- sick leave
About this role
At Rocket Lab's Middle River production facility, you'd own the manufacturing strategy for Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle still in development. This role bridges engineering and execution: you'll design build procedures and ground support tooling, develop work instructions that translate between engineers and technicians, and continuously refine processes to increase throughput and reduce errors. You'll support integration across multiple vehicle systems—structures, fluids, avionics, and abort systems—while collecting lessons learned and turning them into actionable improvements for both the build and the design.
The position requires a degree in industrial, mechanical, or aerospace engineering and at least two years of hands-on experience building or testing aerospace hardware (internships and school projects count). You should be comfortable with 3D CAD, technical drawings, and large assemblies. Experience with launch vehicle hardware, multidisciplinary systems integration, and complex project management is valued. The work is in-office and involves time in production areas alongside skilled technicians, with exposure to typical manufacturing environments.
This is a full-time role offering a base salary of $95,200–$119,000 plus equity, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, three weeks vacation, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) match.
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Pay for this role
$129,075 to $136,625 per year
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