Manufacturing Engineer - Nightshift

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 e...

Manufacturing Engineering powers Rocket Lab's factories from concept to full-scale production. We're seeking Manufacturing Engineers across multiple disciplines for our late shift to turn early ideas into manufacturable designs, build and optimize the systems that make them real, and constantly push for faster, bett...

We're hiring across four key manufacturing disciplines:

Own & Ship:
Become the expert on products you help build and launch
Help teams hit production goals while maintaining quality
Improve existing products and support new designs
Solve & Fix:
Investigate why things fail and implement fixes
Make calls on whether parts meet flight standards using engineering analysis
Connect production, quality, and design teams to solve problems fast
Build & Improve:
Write clear procedures so production runs smoothly every time
Design reliable hardware and test setups
Create test methods for critical systems
Use Lean/Six Sigma to make things better and faster
Lead & Scale:
Review designs to make sure they're easy to build and test
Help launch new products to the factory floor
Identify equipment needs and build the business case
Set up better systems for planning, quality tracking, and data
Grow & Deliver:
Mentor technicians and newer engineers
Break big projects into manageable pieces and ship them
Run your own projects with minimal oversight
Document wins and lessons learned for the team

4-Day Week (Mon–Thurs) | Late Start | Long Weekends, Every Week
Hours: 3:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or similar
0-5 years of technical experience in a Manufacturing, Production, or Process Engineering environment
Hands-on experience solving problems in complex manufacturing systems
Ability to effectively deliver on complex assignments with autonomy
Foundational knowledge in complex manufacturing processes
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Avionics & Test: Debugging electro-mechanical systems, understanding of instrumentation and sensors
Composites: Knowledge of advanced composites materials, tooling, and manufacturing processes
Machining: GD&T and inspection methods, CAM software for 3 and 5-axis CNC machines, 2+ years machine shop experience
Assembly & Integration: Experience with mechanical assembly, integration, or test processes
Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing
Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma knowledge
Cross-discipline manufacturing exposure
Experience with ERP/PLM Systems (Siemens Team Center, Infor LN)
Knowledge of production quality metrics
Experience with environmental and production acceptance testing (vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum)
Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors (power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, 4-20mA sensors)
Provide solutions and ideas when faced with engineering challenges
Share knowledge on effectiveness of theories and concepts
Navigate and complete daily tasks within technical systems
Create and improve technical documentation
Communicate effectively with peers and contribute to team objectives
Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and adherence to company policies
Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed at all times
Domestic and international travel may be required
Additional duties as reasonably required
Adherence to company policies and procedures is expected

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.
 
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.   

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO