ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
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.
SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - PCBA
Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - PCBA 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.
**(This position can be hired as a Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - PCBA**
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 AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I - PCBA
- 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.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II - PCBA
- Minimum 2 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.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I - PCBA
- Minimum 5 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.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II - PCBA
- 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.
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
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.
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] 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.
Skills Required
- Experience in a regulated industry such as 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
- At least 2 years of regulated-industry experience for Supplier Quality Engineer II
- At least 5 years of regulated-industry experience for Senior Supplier Quality Engineer I
- At least 8 years of regulated-industry experience for Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II
- Structured problem-solving using 8D, A3, or equivalent root-cause methodology
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems
- Knowledge of SPC, process capability, MSA, and Gage R&R
- Experience with PPAP and related APQP, PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, and FAIR elements
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems
- Ability to communicate and influence across organizational lines
- Knowledge of PCB fabrication and PCBA assembly processes
- Fluency in applicable IPC standards and acceptability criteria
- Experience with PCB and PCBA first article and qualification processes
- Experience with ICT, flying probe, functional testing, X-ray, AOI, or conformal coating inspection
- Electronics failure analysis experience, including cross-sectioning or SEM/EDS
- Knowledge of AS5553, AS6081, ESD controls, and MSL compliance
- Experience with electronics quality systems or NADCAP Electronics accreditation
- Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Power BI
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as robust, with multiple HMO/PPO options and a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan alongside dental and vision. Company materials and postings also note life and disability insurance and an overall strong medical offering for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is emphasized through RSUs and a discounted ESPP with a look‑back feature, positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards. Filings and benefits summaries highlight broad accessibility to ownership programs across many roles.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is outlined as a full suite that includes paid vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave. Some locations also feature supportive extras such as a childcare concierge and onsite amenities.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
