Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II - Space Systems Subcontracts

About the role

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. SUPPLY CHAIN Rocket Lab's 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 - SPACE SYSTEMS SUBCONTRACTS Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer II - Space Systems Subcontractors 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. This is a subcontractor management role - you own the supplier relationship, the quality system, and the product from contract award through delivery and on-orbit acceptance. You are the primary quality authority for some of Rocket Lab's most technically complex and schedule-critical procured deliverables. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO Own the quality relationship with assigned strategic subcontractors building complete box-level assemblies - 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, not paper compliance. Monitor and report on subcontractor quality performance metrics (OTD, escape rate, CAPA aging, first pass yield) and escalate risk to program and supply chain leadership. Drive DFM and DFT (Design for Test) 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 drawing 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: 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 s

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