Rocket Lab · 2 weeks ago
Lead, Quality Engineer - Space Systems
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$100K/yr - $135K/yr
5+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Lead, Quality Engineer - Space Systems is responsible for overseeing the introduction and implementation of new products related to satellites and avionics modules, ensuring quality control and adherence to standards.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop and implement Quality Control Processes and Standards
Lead, facilitate, and participate in root cause investigations
Identify and prioritize Risk to Mission Success
Identify and categorize quality problems that are impacting the company’s ability to deliver conforming hardware on schedule
Ensure adherence to QMS policy and procedures within their work center and creation of procedures when needed
Efficiently communicate status of evaluation and disposition to leadership
Lead and coordinate management of non-conforming hardware, including ticket dispositions, analysis, and improvement projects
Lead cost saving initiatives, especially related to product yield
Contribute to design reviews to reduce quality risk and time lost due to non-conformances
Lead a team of Quality engineers through development and improvement initiatives
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, industrial, material sciences engineering, or similar engineering discipline
5+ years of experience as a quality engineer in aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing environment
Hands-on quality and testing experience
Strong Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, or various problem-solving approaches
Experience in a leadership position
Preferred
Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical)
Systems Engineering or Reliability Knowledge
Experience successfully overseeing developing and introducing new product(s) to production
Proven track record of year-on-year product and process improvement activities
Conducted both process and design failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
Track record of leveraging new technologies to develop real shop floor solutions
Propulsion manufacturing experience and testing highly desirable
Experience supporting production of complex, mechanical, or composites systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up
Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices
Benefits
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
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Discounted employee stock purchase program
Subsidized EV charging stations
Onsite gym
Food and drinks
Other discounts
Company
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.98BKey Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M
Leadership Team
Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
Sherwood News
2026-01-07
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase