Manufacturing Engineer II/Senior - Machining

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. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket, and we are developing the medium‑lift reusable Neutron vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites and payloads, including components for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Manufacturing Engineer II / Senior – Machining

Based at Rocket Lab’s Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will develop machining for new products and product revisions related to the Rutherford and Archimedes engines, providing expertise in design for manufacture, machining, productivity, quality control, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Contribute to design reviews as an expert in design for manufacture, design for machining, productivity, quality control, etc.
• Select, procure, and install machine shop equipment and develop maintenance/calibration plans.
• Develop in‑house machining capability for Archimedes components and implement rapid iterations.
• Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for production to improve quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Lead continuous improvement and cost‑reduction projects within the fabrication department.
• Collaborate with other Rocket Lab machine shops for alignment, capability, and support.
• Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and machinists daily.

Qualifications – Manufacturing Engineer II – Machining

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• 2+ years of machine shop experience.
• Experience in CAM software and 3‑ and 5‑axis CNC equipment.
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.
• 6+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Qualifications – Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Machining

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of machine shop experience.
• Experience in CAM software and 3‑ and 5‑axis CNC equipment.
• Well versed in GD&T and inspection methods.
• 9+ years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping.
• 10+ years of machine shop experience.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
• Experience machining turbomachinery and combustion device components.
• Familiarity with post‑processing methods, additive manufacturing, and welding.
• NX CAM programming and operating 5‑axis CNC machining.

Work Conditions

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,000 USD – $155,000 USD.

Employees may receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package, including medical (HMO, PPO, and 100% company‑sponsored HSA option), dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and 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.

Culture & Expectations

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. 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 always focus on delivering results.

Eligibility & Equal Employment Opportunity

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 (Green Card holder), or be lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.

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, and 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

New Zealand Office Eligibility

Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. Candidates must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. ITAR and hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or not hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.