Senior Quality Engineer I

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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 Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER I

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 airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Quality Engineer I for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by ensuring products meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

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

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, 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. 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)

$81,100 — $142,700 USD

Base Salary

$95,200 — $119,000 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 an