Supplier Quality Engineer II​/Senior – Mechanical

Overview

About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable space missions supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

Role:
Supplier Quality Engineer II / Senior - Mechanical. Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA. The role ensures quality requirements for procured mechanical parts, services, and processes are achieved. You will translate technical requirements into clear specifications for suppliers, drive supplier improvements, manage non-conformances, conduct supplier audits, and identify opportunities to reduce risk, cost, and lead time. The position may be hired at the II or Senior level.

• Develop and implement strategies for inspecting large, complex machined components with challenging size, geometry, and tolerances.
• Utilize advanced measurement techniques (e.g., CMM, laser trackers) 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.
• Continuously improve purchased product quality.
• Perform on-site and remote supplier audits.
• Create internal and external quality control plans.
• Create Non-Conformance reports and manage CAPA.
• Identify root causes and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Deploy PFMEA tools, techniques, and training to support targeted improvements.
• Support suppliers with scaling up production to meet future quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Follow-up and verify corrective action implementations and audit findings.
• Focus on quality improvement at the source and drive cost reduction opportunities.
• Work 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 Rocket Lab and supplier sites.

As a Supplier Quality Engineer II - Mechanical:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or related field.
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role.
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation.

As a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer - Mechanical:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a regulated industry (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or related field.
• Previous experience in a supplier quality role.
• Experience with GD&T and drawing interpretation.

• Exposure to composites manufacturing, regulatory standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949).
• GD&T knowledge; fabrication, CNC, and 3D printing knowledge.
• Experience developing KPIs for performance reporting.
• Practical experience leading and investigating quality issues; root cause investigations and problem solving (8D, 5 Why’s, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• Experience leading and managing projects; introducing new products to production.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and lean/six sigma; NPI/APQP/PPAP experience; MSA/Gauge R&R understanding.

• Vision abilities include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to commute to Rocket Lab locations.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise.

Base pay range in California: $90,000—$125,000 USD. Base salary is one component of total rewards; eligibility for benefits and equity may apply as part of the compensation package.

For candidates seeking to work in US offices: ITAR compliance is required. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation during the application/interview process can contact the provided resource. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices: background checks and nationality eligibility apply due to ITAR compliance.