Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - Mechanical

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 Compensat