Manufacturing Engineer II - Composites

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the production of current and future Rocket Lab vehicles
• Develop and optimize production and test operations using Lean Six Sigma
• Create FMEAs and action plans to mitigate process risk
• Design robust processes and create RFQs for equipment and tooling
• Implement process automation and provide hands-on technical support
• Lead root cause analysis of complex problems using PPS processes
• Create and approve technical documentation for production
• Manage projects, communicate milestones, and coordinate resources
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for PLM and ERP systems

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience in Manufacturing, Production, Process, or Quality Engineering
• Hands-on technical experience debugging complex systems in manufacturing
• Working experience with composite materials, prepreg, and wet layup processes
• Ability to prioritize risk and make effective trade-off calls
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for the aerospace industry

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP/PLM systems such as Siemens Team Center or Infor LN
• Computer-aided design experience, preferably with Siemens NX
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
• Knowledge of production quality metrics and SPC statistical methods
• Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, and Fault Tree Analysis
• Knowledge of composite material properties, resin systems, and sandwich structures
• Experience with composite structure repair techniques

About the Company

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. We design, manufacture, and launch advanced rockets and spacecraft, enabling innovative missions for commercial, civil, defense, and academic customers to improve life on Earth.