Quality Engineer II/Senior

Why Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the global leader in small satellite launch. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. There are endless possibilities for what we can achieve with better access to space, and that access is now a reality thanks to Rocket Lab. Our team is 1,100 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core - every idea is heard and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly and we are action-oriented.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

QUALITY ENGINEER II/SENIOR

Based out of the Rocket Lab office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Quality Engineer reports to the Quality Manager and is responsible for designing and implementing business processes that will prevent defects, working with production to maintain quality standards and minimize product variations, and applying advanced methods (e.g. Statistical Process Control, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, etc.) to identify risks and increase efficiency. The ideal professional will bring a mix of technical and leadership skills to ensure these responsibilities can be achieved. Day-to-day, the role includes working closely with personnel in the quality, engineering, production, and facility departments to ensure business processes are followed and quality is continually improved.

(Please note: This role can be hired at the Quality Engineer II or Senior Quality Engineer I level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Conduct continuous improvement projects to enhance the business and the Quality Management System


• Support incoming inspections of mechanical, optical and electrical components


• Create documentation for internal and external customers (e.g. inspection sheets, compliance matrices, defect reports, etc.)


• Identify, support root cause investigation, and disposition non-conforming items


• Support Facilities Department with equipment and tool calibration, and maintenance


• Analyze and compile quality-related data for distribution to company management/executives and suppliers


• Perform site visits to suppliers to confirm compliance to quality specifications


• Maintain the quality certification records of the team


• Progress alignment of local business processes with those of the global business

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A QUALITY ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another technical field


• 2+ years of experience in a quality role


• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment


• Direct experience with quality management systems standards (e.g. AS9100 and ISO 9001)


• Direct experience with some or all of the following quality tools: Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)


• Hands-on experience inspecting mechanical, optical, or electronic components and assemblies

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another technical field


• 5+ years of experience in a quality role


• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment


• Direct experience with quality management systems standards (e.g. AS9100 and ISO 9001)


• Direct experience with some or all of the following quality tools: Lean principles, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action, Metrology, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)


• Hands-on experience inspecting mechanical, optical, or electronic components and assemblies

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in engineering or another technical field


• 8+ years of experience in a quality role


• Experience designing or manufacturing hardware for space-based systems


• Proven record of process improvement projects


• Python and/or SQL programming skills


• Exceptional attention to detail


• Strong written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus 


• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing


• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 


• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise