Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Composites
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Composites to join our team in Auckland, New Zealand. In this role, you will work across both development and production, helping bring composite structures from prototype through to reliable, repeatable manufacturing. You will be involved in everything from tooling and process development to resolving issues on the floor and improving product quality.
Key responsibilities include designing and developing composite tooling, molds, and manufacturing processes; working alongside technicians and engineers to solve problems on the floor as they happen; investigating non-conformances, leading root cause analysis, and ensuring fixes are effectively implemented; driving improvements across quality, cost, and delivery; building clear, practical procedures to ensure processes are easy to follow and repeatable; supporting validation, testing, and implementation of product and process improvements; and using data to understand performance and guide better decisions.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with ERP/PLM systems such as TeamCenter or Infor LN; CAD experience, ideally with Siemens NX; a solid background in manufacturing or production environments; strong understanding of quality systems, metrics, and continuous improvement; hands-on experience with structured problem-solving tools like DFMEA and PFMEA; familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma tools and methodologies; experience with composite materials, tooling, and manufacturing processes; and confidence troubleshooting issues and making decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive benefits package, including top-tier medical HMO, PPO, and 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; and free snacks and drinks onsite.
At Rocket Lab, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Our team thrives under pressure, works to tight deadlines, and focuses on delivering results. 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. If you are someone who likes being close to the action, solving real problems, improving how things are built, and taking ownership of the outcome, this is the opportunity for you.