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.
SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER TRAINEE
As a Supplier Quality Engineer Trainee at Rocket Lab's Long Beach, California site, you will participate in a structured development program focused on building foundational skills in supplier quality, manufacturing processes, and engineering support. This role provides handson exposure to supplier assessments, quality systems, and production operations within the aerospace industry.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
As a trainee, you will work closely with Supplier Quality Engineers, mentors, and crossfunctional teams to develop both technical and professional capabilities:
- Support supplier quality activities including incoming inspection, supplier performance tracking, and documentation reviews
- Assist in evaluating supplier processes, identifying risks, and helping drive corrective actions under guidance
- Learn how to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements for supplied components
- Participate in rootcause analysis and problemsolving activities related to supplierrelated nonconformances
- Collaborate with internal teams (Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering) to ensure supplier readiness and compliance
- Attend regular 1:1 sessions with mentors and supervisors to track progress and support your development
- Gain exposure to quality tools, aerospace standards, and supplier management processes
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS
Ideal candidates are curious, detailoriented, and eager to grow within a highperforming engineering environment. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to learn quickly, communicate effectively, and contribute to supplier quality initiatives.
- Strong interest in supplier quality, manufacturing, engineering, or related technical fields
- Ability to analyze information, follow structured processes, and document findings clearly
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Demonstrated experience through handson projects, technical coursework, or exposure to engineering concepts
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
- Familiarity with engineering drawings or GD&T
- Exposure to quality tools such as rootcause analysis, corrective actions, or Six Sigma
- Experience with SolidWorks or similar engineering tools
- Prior project or laboratory experience involving mechanical, manufacturing, or quality concepts
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice
- Must be able to comply with all sitespecific safety and operational requirements
- This position may require occasional local travel to supplier locations, scheduled to accommodate part-time working hours.
COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
- Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly
- This is a parttime, fixedterm contract role, and compensation is paid hourly for all hours worked.