Manufacturing Engineer – Fabrication & Machining

About the role

Rocket Lab is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Fabrication & Machining to join its global manufacturing team. In this role you will drive innovation, optimize processes, and ensure high‑quality production of rockets, satellites, and related components.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement, and improve manufacturing systems for fast‑paced projects.
• Establish and document processes, work instructions, and SOPs within the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Collect production data, analyse key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify trends for continuous improvement.
• Develop and apply tool‑life management strategies to reduce downtime.
• Own non‑conformance reporting and root‑cause management.
• Create parts, routings, and workflows for production.
• Perform process validation, equipment acceptance testing, and first‑article inspection.
• Support inspection activities and develop fixtures and action plans for development projects.

Required profile

• Experience in fabrication and machining environments.
• Familiarity with QMS documentation, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Ability to analyse production data and drive KPI‑based improvements.
• Proven track record in managing non‑conformance and root‑cause analysis.

Required skills

• 3D printing
• Tool life management
• Quality Management System (QMS)
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Process validation
• Equipment Acceptance Testing
• First Article Inspection
• Part creation, routings and workflow design