Manufacturing Engineer II – Propulsion

About the role

Rocket Lab is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II – Propulsion to join its Production Complex in Auckland. The role focuses on the Rutherford rocket engine, driving process improvements and supporting product revisions while collaborating with the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and the broader production team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and document production processes, testing procedures, health and safety requirements, and obtain supervisor sign‑offs.
• Partner with the quality team to resolve engineering quality issues and lead root‑cause investigations.
• Design, develop and implement tooling and equipment to improve quality, delivery and cost performance.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives using lean tools such as 5S and introduce automation where appropriate.
• Ensure equipment data integrates with MRP and quality systems.
• Participate in design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity and supplier capability.
• Conduct value‑stream mapping, method‑of‑manufacture planning, cell design and factory layout implementation, including equipment selection, FAT and SAT.

Required profile

• Experience in manufacturing engineering within aerospace or high‑tech environments.
• Proven ability to manage process improvements and product revisions for propulsion systems.
• Strong collaboration skills with cross‑functional teams, including quality and leadership.

Required skills

• Lean tools (5S)
• Automation implementation
• Tooling and equipment design
• MRP system integration
• Quality systems and root‑cause analysis
• Design for manufacture and design for test
• Value Stream Mapping
• Factory layout and equipment selection, FAT/SAT