Manufacturing Engineer II / Senior I - Fluids
Rocket Lab Corporation · Long Beach, CA
- Senior
- Full-time
- $110,000 – $194,000
- Posted 2026-06-04
- Confirmed live on 25 September 2026
Job description
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.
NEUTRON
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II / SENIOR I - FLUID SYSTEMS
Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Manufacturing Engineer - Fluid Systems will develop, implement, and continuously improve the propulsion component, assembly, and integration manufacturing process through strong working knowledge of additive manufacturing, machining, welding, assembly, integration, tooling, test, and quality techniques.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
• Develop, perform, and qualify precision welding and fabrication of tubing components according to aerospace specifications.
• Utilize TIG, MIG, OTW and other welding methods to achieve the required structural integrity.
• Conduct thorough inspections of welded components, employing NDE/NDT methods to identify and rectify defects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret and implement design specifications.
• When required, lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
• Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements
• Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes
• Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases
• Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques
• Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist
(This position can be hired as a Manufacturing Engineer II or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level)
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - FLUID SYSTEMS:
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning
• Experience setting up and/or operating a tube shop or build area
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I – FLUID SYSTEMS:
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning
• Experience setting up and operating a tube shop or build area
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
• 8+ years of experience developing and introducing fabrication methods such as OTW, TIG, proof testing and cleaning
• Ability to create and deliver accurate and concise presentations for design, manufacturing, and quality
• Strong knowledge of metal working and fabrication processes
• Experience designing tooling in an aerospace manufacturing environment
• Hands-on with a passion for continuous improvement and building the best hardware
• Capable of solving complex problems with little to no supervision in a timely manner
• Adaptable and comfortable in an exciting, dynamic and ever-evolving environment
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
Prepare for the interview
Nothing collected for this employer yet. The Blind 75 is what technical screens draw from; practise it here, with a coach, in Java or Python.
More at Rocket Lab Corporation
- Test Engineering Intern Spring 2027 · Wallops Island, VA
- Test Engineering Intern Summer 2027 · Wallops Island, VA
- Senior Software Systems Engineer II · Tucson, AZ
- Software Build Engineer · Auckland, NZ
- Senior Mechanical Engineer I · Pasadena, CA
- Senior Material Planner I · Long Beach, CA
- Mechanical Engineer I (Future Grad 2027) · Long Beach, CA
- Senior Proposal Manager II · Littleton, CO