--- title: 'Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test at Rocket Lab Corporation' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manufacturing-engineer-i-assembly-integration-and-test-rocket-lab-pqc7rxaqqk6r' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-16' --- # Senior Manufacturing Engineer I – Assembly, Integration and Test at Rocket Lab Corporation - **Company:** Rocket Lab Corporation - **Location:** Long Beach, CA - **Compensation:** $115k–$194k - **Posted:** 2026-08-06 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-16 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/7830730003 ## 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. ## 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 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. SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I/II – ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT): As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I/II, specializing in Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT), you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful production, assembly, and testing of Rocket Lab’s cutting-edge spacecraft. This role requires a deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, hands-on experience with complex systems, and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, quality, and test engineering, to ensure the delivery of high-quality products on time and within budget. ## WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: - Prepare feasibility studies, conduct manufacturing technology Research and Development projects - Partner with our Design Engineering teams to incorporate Design for Manufacture into our products to ensure robustness and manufacturability at scale - Engineer and deliver our factories – design, procure, install, validate assembly, test and verification processes - Support Development builds to uncover early learnings and resolve issues to accelerate the production ramp up - Take engineering ownership of production lines to remove blockers, improve yield and increase build efficiency - Triage and diagnose failures, conduct deep technical investigations and determine the right path forward including risk mitigation actions and root cause resolution - Collaborate with cross functional teams to resolve complex issues - Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test and integration - Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changes - Support business system and process improvements to drive increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency (This position can be hired as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer I or Senior Manufacturing Engineer Level II) QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I - ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT): - Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. - 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry). - Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration. - Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems. QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER II - ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT): - Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. - 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly, integration, and test of complex systems (preferably in the aerospace or automotive industry). - Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, and equipment used in assembly and integration. - Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA) and PLM systems. THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: - Master’s degree in the related engineering field. - Experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with launch vehicles or spacecraft. - Familiarity with composite materials and structures. - Hands-on experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing. - Experience with environmental testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum) and associated test equipment. - Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast, multifaceted 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 a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $135,000—$194,000 USD Base Salary $115,000—$158,000 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](https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&d=DwMFog&c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&e=). 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.](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii) ## About Rocket Lab Corporation ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components, and on-orbit management [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/). - **Entity Type**: Public (NASDAQ: RKLB) – went public via SPAC merger in August 2021 [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab). - **Headquarters**: Long Beach, California, USA (with additional facilities in New Zealand, Virginia, Maryland, Colorado, Canada, and elsewhere) [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/). - **Founded**: 2006 - **Founders**: Peter Beck ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Aerospace, space launch services, satellite manufacturing, and space systems components. - **Target customers**: Commercial satellite operators, civil space agencies (NASA, NOAA), defence customers (U.S. Space Force, NRO), and research institutions. - **Mission**: "Unlocking the potential of space to improve life on Earth" [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/). ## Products & Services - **Electron**: Small orbital launch vehicle – the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket, with over 75 missions as of January 2026 [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab). Also used for the suborbital HASTE hypersonic testbed. - **Neutron**: Reusable medium-lift launch vehicle in development, targeting constellation deployment, interplanetary missions, and human spaceflight [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/). - **Photon**: Spacecraft platform for Earth orbit, lunar, and interplanetary missions (e.g., NASA CAPSTONE, ESCAPADE to Mars). - **Satellite Components & Subsystems**: Star trackers, reaction wheels, solar panels, electric propulsion, software-defined radios, separation systems, advanced composite structures, and flight/ground software. Rocket Lab’s space systems technology has enabled more than 1,700 missions globally [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/). ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not provided in available sources (NASDAQ-traded; value fluctuates). The SPAC merger in 2021 was valued at approximately $4.1 billion, but current market cap should be verified via financial platforms. - **Key Metric**: Over 2,600 employees globally as of May 2025 [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab); more than 700 in New Zealand alone. - **Notable Investors / Partners**: Vector Acquisition Corporation (SPAC partner). Key customers include NASA, U.S. Space Force, NRO, NOAA, BlackSky, and OHB Group. - **Growth Signals**: Development of Neutron; record launch cadence (9 missions in 2022); opening new manufacturing and test facilities (Middle River MD, Stennis MS, Warkworth NZ); successful lunar mission (CAPSTONE) and Mars mission award (ESCAPADE). ## Competitive Advantages - **Vertical integration**: Rocket Lab designs and manufactures its own rockets, spacecraft, satellite components, and operates its own launch sites – reducing cost and lead time. - **High launch frequency & reliability**: Electron is the most frequently launched small rocket globally, with rapid turnaround (as fast as 15 days). - **Reusable rocket technology**: Neutron will bring reusability to the medium-lift class, further lowering per-mission costs. - **Southern Hemisphere launch site**: Only private orbital launch site at Mahia, New Zealand, providing unique orbital inclinations. - **Proven interplanetary capability**: First private company to reach the Moon with CAPSTONE and win a Mars mission (ESCAPADE). ## Strategic Focus - Complete development, test, and first launch of the Neutron rocket from Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island, Virginia. - Expand spacecraft and component manufacturing to serve the growing defence, civil, and commercial satellite markets. - Pursue interplanetary and human-spaceflight capabilities. - Increase launch cadence and begin recovery and reuse of Electron first stages. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Driven, mission-focused environment with emphasis on “Trust, Innovation, and Excellence”. Values include “We are the best at what we do” and “Together we are unstoppable” [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/). - **Work & locations**: Multiple offices, factories, test, and launch sites across the U.S., New Zealand, and Canada. Hybrid/remote policy not explicitly stated; most roles appear on-site at specific facilities. - **Projects**: Hands-on work with cutting-edge rockets, interplanetary spacecraft, advanced composites, and space software. - **Perks & benefits**: Not detailed on the careers page, but the company offers a collaborative environment, career growth across many disciplines (engineering, tech, operations, finance, etc.), and the opportunity to contribute to high-impact space missions. - **EEO & accommodations**: Rocket Lab provides reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/). ## Sources 1. [rocketlabcorp.com – About Us](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/) 2. [rocketlabcorp.com – Careers](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/) 3. [en.wikipedia.org – Rocket Lab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab) 4. [linkedin.com – Rocket Lab](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocket-lab-corp) 5. [job-boards.greenhouse.io – Rocket Lab (careers portal)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab) ## Other roles at Rocket Lab Corporation - [Team Lead - IT Support](https://feeny.ai/job/team-lead-it-support-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-91n4t4pv40q3) — Auckland, New Zealand - [HITL Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/hitl-software-engineer-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-s1twp5gvn8k0) — Auckland, New Zealand - [Quality Inspector II](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-inspector-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-kq644pbtbybc) — Long Beach, CA - [Precision Cleaning Technician II - B Shift](https://feeny.ai/job/precision-cleaning-technician-ii-b-shift-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-2n8yb62tqrr9) — Long Beach, CA - [Systems Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-3n6n7dwe9v7e) — Long Beach, CA - [Systems Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-i-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-hrbnn41s7y6r) — Long Beach, CA - [RF Phased Array Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-phased-array-engineer-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-0ejc70zvgjbm) — Long Beach, CA - [RF Phased Array Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-phased-array-engineer-i-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-48tbs4vfb9q9) — Long Beach, CA - [Harness Design Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/harness-design-engineer-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-eh0md8c7xt3a) — Long Beach, CA - [Harness Design Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/harness-design-engineer-i-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-v2n419cy8xtm) — Long Beach, CA