# Senior Manufacturing Engineer I- Composites at Rocket Lab

> United States · Senior · Software engineering · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Arocketlab%3A8037893003 (read 2026-11-04).

## Facts (observed)

- Company: [Rocket Lab](https://alderhq.app/companies/rocket-lab)
- Location text: Middle River, MD; Space Structures Complex (SSC)
- Where it can be done from (inferred): United States (evidence: "Location: Middle River, MD; Space Structures Complex (SSC)")
- Posted: 2026-10-19 (15 days ago)
- First seen by alder: 2026-11-03 · last verified: 2026-11-04
- Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times
- Apply on the employer's site: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/8037893003

## Pay and sponsorship

- Posted pay: $129k–$172k per year (from the listing's pay field)
- Market band for similar posted roles (United States, n 3163): p25 $160k, median $183k, p75 $212k

## Description (the employer's text)

### 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.

### NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

### SENIOR MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I, COMPOSITES

We are currently seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to be based at Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex production facility in Middle River, MD. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Composites will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of composite manufacturing technologies and processes used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

- Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout definitions to the meet volume requirements including preparation of business cases
- Develop production processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented, including testing procedures, health and safety requirements and supervisor sign-offs
- Design, develop, and implement tooling and equipment for use in a production environment where required to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost requirements
- Actively contribute to facility construction projects including requirements generation, design reviews and implementation support
- Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for manufacture, design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
- Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions as related to the Neutron launch vehicle composite structure
- Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
- Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
- Introduce automation where appropriate and ensure equipment data links directly to MRP and quality systems
- Identify risks and improvements to develop the manufacturing engineering department to meet company needs
- Develop and mentor less experienced engineers and technicians daily
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
- 5 + years of composite manufacturing experience.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

- Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma and value stream mapping.
- Experience with 3D CAD software and tooling design.
- Experience in Automated Fiber Placement technology.
- Experience both Autoclave and Out-of-Autoclave composite manufacturing techniques.
- Experience with Non-Destructive Testing/Inspection of composite components.
- Experience in qualification and acceptance testing of composite structural components.
### Additional Requirement

- 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.
- Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard 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.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

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Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Arocketlab%3A8037893003 and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.