Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II - Space Systems Subcontracts

Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II – Space Systems Subcontractors

Location: Long Beach, CA

Based out of Rocket Lab’s headquarters, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II 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. The role is a subcontractor management position that owns the supplier relationship, the quality system, and the product from contract award through delivery and on‑orbit acceptance.

What You’ll Get to Do

• Own the quality relationship with assigned strategic subcontractors building complete box‑level assemblies—including 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.
• Monitor and report on subcontractor quality performance metrics (OTD, escape rate, CAPA aging, first pass yield) and elevate risk to program and supply chain leadership.
• Drive DFM and DFT 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 drawings 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 such as 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.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with satellite bus or payload subsystems (torque rods, reaction wheels, radios, transponders, antennas, flight computers, power systems, battery assemblies).
• Understanding of space‑grade component requirements: radiation tolerance, outgassing, COTS vs. space‑qualified part selection, and derating practices per standards such as ECSS and MIL‑STD‑975.
• Knowledge of PCBA manufacturing and inspection (SMT, through‑hole, IPC‑A‑610 Class 3, conformal coating, potting).
• PCBA test method fluency: ICT, flying probe, functional test, boundary scan, X‑ray/AXI, AOI, burn‑in; evaluate subcontractor test coverage strategies.
• Experience with qualification and acceptance test programs for aerospace hardware (ESS, TVAC, random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC per MIL‑STD‑461).
• Ability to read and critically review qualification test reports and acceptance data packages.
• Familiarity with test margins and protoflight philosophy as applied to space hardware qualification.
• Experience managing design‑and‑build subcontractors; interface between subcontractor design authority and system requirements.
• Knowledge of data package and deliverable requirements for space hardware (as‑built configuration records, material certifications, test data packages, non‑conformance logs).
• Experience conducting MRR, TRR, and ADP reviews.
• Familiarity with AS9100, AS9145, ECSS‑Q‑ST‑20, NASA‑STD‑8739 series.
• Knowledge of ESD controls, MSL compliance (IPC/JEDEC J‑STD‑033).
• Counterfeit parts awareness and mitigation (AS5553/AS6081).
• Structured problem‑solving experience using 8D, A3, or equivalent RCA methodology.
• PPAP/APQP familiarity (PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, FAIR); adapt to space hardware context.
• Statistical quality methods: SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), MSA/Gage R&R.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross‑organisationally—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

• Work at a desk, operate computer and office equipment for extended periods.
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed.
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision.
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed.
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$124,800 – $156,000 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

U.S. Office Eligibility

For U.S. office candidates, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or otherwise eligible for the required authorizations under U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce regulations, including ITAR compliance.

New Zealand Office Eligibility

For New Zealand office candidates, eligibility requires citizenship of New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, with no ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.