Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II - Space Systems Subcontracts
Job 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.
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 - SPACE SYSTEMS SUBCONTRACTS
Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II – Space Systems Subcontractors is responsible for the end-to-end quality of complex, high-value electro-mechanical box assemblies built by strategic subcontractors and integrated into Rocket Lab satellite programs. This is a subcontractor management role — you own the supplier relationship, the quality system, and the product from contract award through delivery and on-orbit acceptance. You are the primary quality authority for some of Rocket Lab's most technically complex and schedule-critical procured deliverables.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
- Own the quality relationship with assigned strategic subcontractors building complete box-level assemblies — flight computers, radios, communication payloads, battery systems, torque rods, and integrated electro-mechanical hardware — for Rocket Lab satellite programs.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between Rocket Lab engineering, program management, and subcontractor quality/engineering teams; translate system-level requirements into clear, auditable quality deliverables.
- Review and approve subcontractor Quality Management Plans, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), acceptance test procedures (ATPs), and qualification test plans against Rocket Lab and applicable space standards.
- Conduct in-process and pre-shipment source inspections at subcontractor facilities; witness key functional tests, environmental qualification runs (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC), and acceptance testing.
- Lead supplier nonconformance disposition and CAPA management for assigned subcontractors — drive to verified closure with sustainable corrective actions, not paper compliance.
- Monitor and report on subcontractor quality performance metrics (OTD, escape rate, CAPA aging, first pass yield) and escalate risk to program and supply chain leadership.
- Drive DFM and DFT (Design for Test) feedback loops between Rocket Lab design teams and subcontractors early in the development cycle to prevent downstream quality escapes.
- Support qualification and first article activities: review qualification test reports, first article inspection results, and material traceability documentation against drawing and specification requirements.
- Manage supplier concessions and waivers through Rocket Lab's disposition process, providing technical rationale and risk assessment to engineering and program stakeholders.
- Lead or support subcontractor quality system audits (process, product, and system-level); identify gaps and drive corrective action plans to closure.
- Contribute to make/buy decisions and new subcontractor selection by assessing quality capability, past performance, test infrastructure, and technical readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING:
- Minimum 8 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Defense, Space, or similar.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent.
- Prior experience in a supplier quality or subcontract management role.
- Proficiency with GD&T, engineering drawing interpretation, and specification flow down.
- Direct experience managing external suppliers or subcontractors producing complex hardware deliverables.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Space Systems & Subcontractor Management
- Familiarity with satellite bus or payload subsystems: attitude control hardware (torque rods, reaction wheels), communication electronics (radios, transponders, antennas), flight computers, power systems, and battery assemblies.
- Understanding of space-grade component requirements: radiation tolerance, outgassing, COTS vs. space-qualified part selection, and derating practices per applicable standards (e.g., ECSS, MIL-STD-975).
- PCBA manufacturing and inspection knowledge: SMT, through-hole, IPC-A-610 Class 3 acceptability, conformal coating, and potting for space environments.
- PCBA test method fluency: ICT, flying probe, functional test, boundary scan, X-ray/AXI, AOI, and burn-in; ability to evaluate the adequacy of a subcontractor's test coverage strategy rather than just reviewing procedures.
- Understanding of PCBA qualification requirements: thermal cycling, vibration, shock, burn-in, and the relationship between qualification test levels and acceptance test margins.
- Experience with qualification and acceptance test programs for aerospace hardware: environmental stress screening (ESS), thermal-vacuum (TVAC), random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC per MIL-STD-461 or equivalent.
- Ability to read and critically review qualification test reports and acceptance data packages — identifying gaps in test coverage, anomalies, and pass/fail determination against specification.
- Familiarity with test margins and protoflight philosophy as applied to space hardware qualification.
- Experience managing subcontractors that design-and-build complete deliverable assemblies (not just fabrication-to-print suppliers) — including managing the interface between subcontractor design authority and Rocket Lab system requirements.
- Familiarity with data package and deliverable requirements for space hardware: as-built configuration records, material certifications, test data packages, non-conformance logs, and certificate of conformance content.
- Experience conducting or participating in subcontractor readiness reviews: Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), and Acceptance Data Package (ADP) reviews.
- Familiarity with AS9100 and space-specific quality standards (AS9145, ECSS-Q-ST-20, NASA-STD-8739 series) and how they apply in a subcontract quality context.
- Knowledge of ESD controls, handling, and MSL compliance (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033) for space-grade electronics.
- Counterfeit parts awareness and mitigation practices per AS5553/AS6081; experience with component traceability and approved source requirements.
- • Structured problem-solving experience using 8D, A3, or equivalent RCA methodology.
- PPAP/APQP familiarity (PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, FAIR); ability to adapt these frameworks to a space hardware development context.
- Statistical quality methods: SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), MSA/Gage R&R.
- Demonstrated ability to influence across organizational lines — internally with engineering and program teams, and externally with subcontractor leadership.
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems; familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Power BI a plus.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice
- Ability to work extended hours, some nights or weekends when needed
- 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, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
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.
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 [email protected].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.
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Job Details
- Department
- Quality
- Category
- Aerospace Engineering
- Employment Type
- Contract
- Location
- Long Beach, California, United States
- Posted
- Apr 10, 2026, 02:18 PM
- Listed
- Apr 10, 2026, 02:18 PM
- Compensation
- $124,800 - $156,000 per year
About Rocket Lab
Part of the growing space & AI ecosystem pushing the frontiers of technology.
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