What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Engineer II / Senior - Machining position at Rocket Lab USA?
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!
QUALITY ENGINEER II / SENIOR - MACHINING
Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Quality Engineer II / Senior - Machining is responsible for Launch Systems operations including pump and engine assemblies at Rocket Lab's Rutherford and Archimedes Propulsion Production. Focus will be on eliminating mission risks and increasing productivity. You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Identify and prioritize risks to mission success.
- Create action plans and lead execution of tasks to resolve problems.
- Steer cross-functional teams to focus on top-impact actions and hold people accountable for achieving expected milestones.
- Support and/or lead process failure mode and effect analysis.
- Drive implementation of built-in quality fundamentals – Check-Do-Check.
- Provide rapid response and problem resolution for containment and risk mitigation activities.
- Identify and categorize quality problems that are impacting the company's ability to deliver conforming hardware on schedule.
- Lead team to deep dive the top problems and properly identify and resolve the root cause of the issues, applying tools like 5 Whys, Cause and Effect analysis and 8Ds.
**(This position can be hired as a Quality Engineer II- Machining or Senior Quality Engineer – Machining Level) **
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS A QUALITY ENGINEER II – MACHINING:
- Minimum 2 years' experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar with a focus in machine shop environment.
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) proficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS A SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER – MACHINING:
- Minimum 5 years' experience working in a regulated industry Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Industrial, or similar with a focus in machine shop environment.
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering; or other engineering degree
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) proficiency.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience developing new systems and processes.
- CMM experience, able to read and interpret reports.
- GD&T knowledge, able to read a blueprint and understand most callouts.
- Experience with Machining methods and principles.
- Strong data analytics and visualization skills.
- Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action experience.
- Experience in the aerospace industry or other quality-critical industries.
- Minitab or other statistical software expertise.
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.
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.
Salary : $80,000 - $130,000