Supplier Quality Engineer

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! 

SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER (I, II, SENIOR I, SENIOR II)- MECHANICAL

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) – Mechanical is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (mechanical components), services & processes are achieved.

Working as a liaison between our internal customers and suppliers you are a critical conduit for translating technical requirements into easy and clear specifications that suppliers can achieve. Your exceptional communication and negotiation skills will encourage suppliers to strive for improvement, implement more robust quality processes and drive cost reduction, process efficiency whilst enabling smooth management of the sometimes-conflicting priorities between customers & suppliers. The role will also include creation of non-conformance reports, performing supplier audits, managing supplier concessions, and identifying opportunities for improvement to reduce risk, cost, or lead time to Rocket Lab.

**(This position can be hired as a Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - Mechanical**

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and implement strategies for inspecting large, complex machined components that are challenging to measure due to size, geometry, and tolerances.
• Utilize advanced measurement techniques, including CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines), laser trackers, and other precision tools, to verify component quality.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to address manufacturability challenges and tolerance stack-ups.
• Establish fundamental Supplier Quality systems and processes to drive the business forward
• Generate metrics and tools to enhance visibility of supplier performance
• Continuous improvement of purchased product quality
• Performing on site and remote supplier audits
• Creation of internal and external quality control plans
• Creation of Non-Conformance reports and CAPA management
• Drive to understand root causes and ensure implementation of corrective actions
• Deploying PFMEA tools, techniques & training to support targeted improvement actions
• 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
• Strong focus on quality improvement at source and driving cost reduction opportunities
• Working with suppliers to introduce new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP)
• Liaise between suppliers, development, production, and senior management
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed at both Rocket Lab and supplier sites 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I - MECHANICAL:

• Experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II - MECHANICAL:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I - MECHANICAL:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II - MECHANICAL:

• Minimum 8 years’ experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Exposure to Composites Manufacturing such as proper material handling, layup, curing, and bonding processes.
• Exposure to regulatory standards such as AS9100, IS09001, ISO13485, IATF 16949
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge 
• Fabrication, CNC, and 3D printing knowledge 
• Experience developing KPI’s for performance reporting
• 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
• Experience leading and managing projects
• Experience successfully developing and introducing new products to production
• Experience with a wide range of specialized technical manufacturing processes
• Lean/six sigma experience
• NPI/APQP/PPAP experience
• Understanding of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), Gauge R&R

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of 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 plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)$75,000—$228,500 USDBase Salary$70,000—$171,600 USD

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.