Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II

About this role

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 to 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.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success.

SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II role is responsible for ensuring quality requirements for procured parts, services, and processes are achieved. Working as a liaison between internal design/manufacturing stakeholders and suppliers, you translate technical requirements into clear specifications, drive supplier improvement, and manage the competing priorities between customers and suppliers.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned parts and assemblies, solving emergent supplier quality challenges and mitigating risk to the manifest.

• Own production components and assemblies end-to-end — driving improvements in manufacturing methods, identifying new suppliers, and developing reliable rate-ramp processes.

• Conduct DFM reviews to ensure parts are manufacturable, preferably prior to sourcing.

• Partner with procurement to vet suppliers for quality capability and takt time alignment.

• Author and flow down specifications translating Rocket Lab quality and manufacturing requirements to the supply base.

• Scope advanced depaneling (cutting), optical inspection (AOI), and X-ray inspection technologies that improve rate, quality, or efficiency.

• Drive root cause resolution on assigned part issues; implement changes at suppliers or internally and pursue re-sourcing where warranted.

• Create and disposition Nonconformance tickets; coordinate rework, repair, or use-as-is dispositions with engineering.

• Lead containment activities on assigned parts — define scope, align cross-functional stakeholders, and drive to resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING

• Minimum 8 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent.

• Prior experience in a supplier quality role.

• Proficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• PCB / PCBA Electronics-Specific

• PCB fabrication processes: lamination, drilling, plating, surface finish (ENIG, HASL, immersion silver), and solder mask application.

• PCBA assembly processes: SMT (reflow, paste inspection, placement), through-hole, selective soldering, wave soldering, and hand soldering per IPC-A-610.

• IPC standards fluency: IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/21, IPC-6012; ability to apply acceptability criteria directly in supplier audits and NCR disposition.

• First article and qualification processes for PCBs and PCBAs including UL certification, material traceability, and layer stack-up verification.

• Test methods for electronics: ICT, flying probe, functional test, X-ray inspection, AOI, and conformal coating inspection.

• Failure analysis techniques relevant to electronics: cross-sectioning, SEM/EDS, delamination/intermetallic analysis.

• Cleanliness and contamination control requirements (ionic contamination testing, no-clean vs. wash processes).

• Understanding of component qualification and counterfeit parts mitigation (AS5553, AS6081).

• Familiarity with ESD controls, handling requirements, and MSL compliance (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033).

• Experience with electronics-specific quality systems and NADCAP Electronics accreditation.

SHARED ACROSS ALL SQE ROLES

• Structured problem-solving experience using 8D, A3, or equivalent RCA methodology.

• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems; exposure to NADCAP special process requirements a plus.

• Knowledge of statistical quality methods: SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), MSA/Gage R&R; Six Sigma or Lean a plus.

• Experience with PPAP and related elements: APQP, PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, FAIR.

• Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems; familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Power BI a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to share information and influence across organizational lines.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods

• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technica

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