Senior Manufacturing 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

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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 them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

Rocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and precision mechanisms that enable the most ambitious space missions, including NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers. Leveraging Mars-proven expertise from Motiv Space Systems, we deliver scalable, flight-proven solutions - such as robotic arms, motion control systems, and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) - to support planetary exploration, satellite servicing, and national security missions.

We are currently seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I to be based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA. The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing technologies, build processes, work instructions, tooling, and production systems used to assemble, integrate, test, and scale robotics and electromechanical hardware.

You will work closely with design engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and highly skilled technicians to translate designs into efficient, repeatable, and well-documented manufacturing processes. You’ll play a critical role in supporting all aspects of production at Rocket Lab Robotics by taking ownership of products released to production, removing production blockers, dispositioning issue tickets, performing root-cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on problem solving, rapid iteration, and building the processes that enable complex robotics hardware to move from prototype through production.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Plan and execute the build, integration, and test of robotics systems, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and related production hardware.
• Review fabrication and assembly documentation for flight and production hardware, providing manufacturability feedback to improve build efficiency, reduce risk, and optimize cost without compromising quality or performance.
• Develop concepts of operations, manufacturing plans, and build strategies for robotic mechanisms, automation equipment, and integrated modules.
• Design, develop, and drive build of production tooling, fixtures, handling equipment, and test setups that improve safety, quality, throughput, and repeatability.
• Develop build methods to increase throughput, reduce opportunities for error, simplify technician workflows, and improve manufacturability.
• Support robotics integration and production teams in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of assembly, inspection, repair/retrofit, integration, and system test procedures.
• Collect, document, and communicate lessons learned from builds to design engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams.
• Develop and maintain clear work instructions, travelers, test procedures, and visual aids to ensure effective communication between engineering and technicians.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of production travelers and manufacturing documentation to ensure traceability, quality compliance, and efficient execution of manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to, develop, and own build procedures; document non-conformances and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
• Maintain integrated planning and build documents that reflect current hardware configurations, work scope, priorities, and production readiness.
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable robotics processing, assembly, checkout, and required testing capabilities.
• Support development, buildout, and continuous improvement of robotics production areas, labs, and manufacturing processes.
• Closely collaborate with management, peers from other departments, and highly skilled technicians on daily production and development activities.
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus on common project goals, schedule, quality, and safety.
• Identify and mitigate risks tied to shortages, late drawing release, process planning gaps, and supply constraints

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

• Bachelor of Science degree in industrial, mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, robotics, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience building, testing, or supporting hardware in aerospace, robotics, automation, automotive, medical device, defense, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment. Internships and school projects qualify.
• Demonstrated proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Well versed in (ASME Y14.5) GD&T and inspection methods.
• Demonstrated ability to model with 3D CAD (Solidworks preferred), produce prints, interpret drawings, and work with assemblies or integrated hardware.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, or test procedures for complex hardware.
• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, quality, production, and supply chain functions.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 2+ years of machine shop experience with strong understanding of machining methods and techniques
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive work instructions, build documentation, and test procedures for robotics, automation, or electromechanical hardware.
• Experience working directly with complex hardware and subsystems such as robotic mechanisms, motion systems, sensors, actuators, electrical assemblies, controls hardware, tooling, or production equipment.
• Experience supporting build and test of complex assemblies at the system and sub-system level.
• Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly, root cause analysis, non-conformance disposition, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with CAM Software and CNC Equipment.
• Familiarity with post processing methods.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects or process improvements that led to successful outcomes.
• Experience working in a fast-paced development, prototype, NPI, or rapid-growth manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in ESD & clean environments
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems, JIRA or other issue tracking systems, and production readiness metrics.
• Familiarity with wire harnessing

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)

$135,475—$194,075 USD

Base Salary

$115,000—$158,400 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 [email protected]. 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.