Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II PCBA

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 to 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 rockethas 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.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Rocket Labs 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.

SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II - PCBA

Based out of Rocket Labs headquarters in Long Beach CA the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II 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.

WHAT YOULL 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.
• Scopeadvanceddepaneling(cutting) optical inspection (AOI) and X-rayinspection technologiesthat 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 YOULL BRING

• Minimum 8 years experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace Medical Automotive or similar.
• Bachelors 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% domestically and internationally sometimes on short notice
• Sit at desk andoperatecomputerkeyboardand 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 environmentswith occasional exposure tonoise dust and fumesin production areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.