Lead, Quality Engineer - Space Systems

Company: Rocket Lab Corporation
Location: Long Beach
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description 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. LEAD, QUALITY ENGINEER - SPACE SYSTEMS Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead, Quality Engineer – Space Systems is responsible for overseeing the properly introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions related to both Satellites and Avionics modules for Rocket engines. You will support the Quality Manager and Production and Engineering Organizations with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors and investors. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Develop and implement Quality Control Processes and Standards. Lead, facilitate, and participate in root cause investigations. Identify and prioritize Risk to Mission Success Identify and categorize quality problems that are impacting the company's ability to deliver conforming hardware on schedule Ensure adherence to QMS policy and procedures within their work center and creation of procedures when needed. Efficiently communicate status of evaluation and disposition to leadership. Lead and coordinate management of non-conforming hardware, including ticket dispositions, analysis, and improvement projects. Lead cost saving initiatives, especially related to product yield. Contribute to design reviews to reduce quality risk and time lost due to non-conformances. Lead a team of Quality engineers through development and improvement initiatives. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, industrial, material sciences engineering, or similar engineering discipline 5 years of experience as a quality engineer in aerospace or spacecraft manufacturing environment Hands-on quality and testing experience Strong Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, or various problem-solving approaches. Experience in a leadership position. THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical) Systems Engineering or Reliability Knowledge Experience successfully overseeing developing and introducing new product(s) to production. Proven track record of year-on-year product and process improvement activities. Conducted both process and design failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). Track record of leveraging new technologies to develop real shop floor solutions. Propulsion manufacturing experience and testing highly desirable. Experience supporting production of complex, mechanical, or composites systems in high volume work centers and/or during production ramp-up Advanced engineering degree (Preferably, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components Experience with assembly & testing of turbomachinery and combustion devices 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. Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules 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. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $100,000—$135,000 USD 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.

Keywords: Rocket Lab Corporation, Simi Valley , Lead, Quality Engineer - Space Systems, Engineering , Long Beach, California