Senior Quality Engineer I

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Developm...

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and air...

Develop and execute inspection methods to verify product quality and workmanship
Ensure products comply with internal procedures, customer requirements, and industry standards such as AS9100
Investigate products and process nonconformances and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
Generate, manage, and close Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), Corrective Action Reports, and support MRB/FRB activities
Provide quality training and guidance to production and engineering teams on workmanship standards, procedures, ESD, and FOD
Coordinate and document calibration activities and maintain metrology controls
Support and maintain compliance with ESD and FOD programs across production and integration areas
Perform inspections, review inspection data, and document results and findings
Collect, analyze, and trend quality data using digital tools such as Power Apps and Power BI to support data-driven decision making
Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor quality metrics, nonconformance trends, corrective action effectiveness, and process performance
Participate in internal, customer, and third-party quality audits as required
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and repeatability of processes
The Quality Engineer will support, analyze, and report on quality performance using data-driven metrics
Travel as required to support test campaigns, supplier activities, audits, source inspections, and program milestones
Perform other duties as assigned in support of quality, compliance, and program execution

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline
5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Assurance within a manufacturing environment
Experience working within a Quality Management System; AS9100 experience strongly preferred
Strong working knowledge of NCRs, CAPA, MRB/FRB, ESD, and FOD controls
Experience with inspection and test activities, metrology, and calibration systems
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T
Experience analyzing quality data and presenting metrics using tools such as Power BI, Power Apps, Excel, or similar data visualization platforms
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, supply chain, and program teams
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Experience supporting spaceflight hardware or optical/electro-optical systems
ASQ Quality Engineer or Quality Technician certification
Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors in a regulated environment
Familiarity with aerospace customer audits and government contracts
Experience developing or enhancing Power Apps workflows and Power BI dashboards for quality or manufacturing metrics
Active U.S. Government security clearance

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO