Supplier Quality Engineer II/Senior - Composites at Rocket Lab Corporation

Middle River, Maryland, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Dec, 25

Salary

150000.0

Posted On

20 Sep, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Supplier Quality Systems, Quality Control Plans, Non-Conformance Reports, Root Cause Analysis, Continuous Improvement, Supplier Audits, Quality Investigations, Process Improvement, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, Lean/Six Sigma, NPI, APQP, PPAP, Measurement Systems Analysis, Corrective Actions, Project Management

Industry

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Description

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 – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 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 II/SENIOR Based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD the Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (composites and mechanical assemblies), services & processes are achieved for our Neutron launch vehicle. 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 II or Senior Supplier Quality Engineer) WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 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 quality standards, processes, and procedures Creation of Non-Conformance reports and CAPA management Performing quality investigations Identifying processes failures at suppliers 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 II: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering; or other engineering degree 2+ years of experience working in an advanced manufacturing environment in a highly regulated industry such as Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or Industrial – OR - 6 + years of experience in lieu of degree QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering; or other engineering degree 5+ years of experience working in an advanced manufacturing environment in a highly regulated industry such as Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or Industrial – OR – 9+ years of experience in lieu of degree Previous experience in a supplier quality engineering position THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Exposure to regulatory standards such as AS9100, IS09001, ISO13485, IATF 16949 Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge Experience with composites and mechanical assemblies including lamination, bonding, drilling, fastening, etc. 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 The ability to interpret engineering drawings and geometric dimensions 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 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise 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. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion. Base Pay Range (MD Only) $80,000—$150,000 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.

Responsibilities

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts and services are achieved for the Neutron launch vehicle. This includes performing supplier audits, managing supplier concessions, and identifying opportunities for improvement to reduce risk, cost, or lead time.