SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER I

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Quality Engineer I for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by ensuring products meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and execute inspection methods to verify product quality and workmanship
• Ensure products comply with internal procedures, customer requirements, and industry standards such as AS9100
• Investigate products and process nonconformances and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Generate, manage, and close Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), Corrective Action Reports, and support MRB/FRB activities
• Provide quality training and guidance to production and engineering teams on workmanship standards, procedures, ESD, and FOD
• Coordinate and document calibration activities and maintain metrology controls
• Support and maintain compliance with ESD and FOD programs across production and integration areas
• Perform inspections, review inspection data, and document results and findings
• Collect, analyze, and trend quality data using digital tools such as Power Apps and Power BI to support data-driven decision making
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor quality metrics, nonconformance trends, corrective action effectiveness, and process performance
• Participate in internal, customer, and third-party quality audits as required
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and repeatability of processes
• The Quality Engineer will support, analyze, and report on quality performance using data-driven metrics
• Travel as required to support test campaigns, supplier activities, audits, source inspections, and program milestones
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of quality, compliance, and program execution

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Assurance within a manufacturing environment
• Experience working within a Quality Management System; AS9100 experience strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of NCRs, CAPA, MRB/FRB, ESD, and FOD controls
• Experience with inspection and test activities, metrology, and calibration systems
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T
• Experience analyzing quality data and presenting metrics using tools such as Power BI, Power Apps, Excel, or similar data visualization platforms
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, supply chain, and program teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience supporting spaceflight hardware or optical/electro-optical systems
• ASQ Quality Engineer or Quality Technician certification
• Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors in a regulated environment
• Familiarity with aerospace customer audits and government contracts
• Experience developing or enhancing Power Apps workflows and Power BI dashboards for quality or manufacturing metrics
• Active U.S. Government security clearance

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.