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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you need a strong background in manufacturing processes, problem-solving, and engineering principles, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, lean manufacturing systems, Six Sigma methodologies, and ERP/MES platforms is typically required, and certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt can be advantageous. Leadership, effective communication, and project management are essential soft skills for coordinating teams and driving continuous improvement. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing production efficiency, ensuring quality, and leading successful engineering projects within a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges Lead Manufacturing Engineers face when introducing new processes on the production floor?

Lead Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring seamless integration of new technologies or processes with existing equipment, minimizing downtime during transitions, and gaining buy-in from production staff. They must carefully coordinate with cross-functional teams, including quality assurance and maintenance, to troubleshoot unforeseen issues and maintain product standards. Effective communication, comprehensive training, and continuous monitoring are key to overcoming these obstacles and achieving successful implementation.

What does a Lead Manufacturing Engineer do?

A Lead Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for overseeing and optimizing production processes within a manufacturing facility. They lead a team of engineers and technicians to improve efficiency, ensure product quality, and implement cost-saving measures. Their duties often include designing manufacturing systems, troubleshooting issues, coordinating with other departments, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. By leveraging their technical expertise and leadership skills, they help drive continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

What is the difference between Lead Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectLead Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees manufacturing processes, leads teams, implements improvementsDesigns and develops manufacturing processes, supports production
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, experience in manufacturing, leadership skillsBachelor's in Engineering, process knowledge, technical skills
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in production facilities, cross-functional teamsOperational settings, production lines, process development
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing plants, automotive, aerospaceWidespread in manufacturing sectors, electronics, consumer goods

The main difference is that a Lead Manufacturing Engineer typically manages teams and oversees process improvements, while a Manufacturing Engineer focuses on designing and supporting manufacturing processes. The lead role involves more leadership and strategic planning, whereas the manufacturing engineer is more technical and hands-on in process development.

What is it like to work at Rocket Lab?

Rocket Lab is a dynamic and innovative company that prioritizes a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning, fostering an environment where employees can push boundaries and drive progress.

The company's team structure is flat and agile, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration and open communication, allowing employees to work closely with experts from various fields and contribute to the development of cutting-edge space technology. The work environment is fast-paced and challenging, with a strong emphasis on delivering results and meeting ambitious deadlines.

Working at Rocket Lab may appeal to individuals who are passionate about space exploration, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, as the company offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that is shaping the future of space technology and exploration.
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Infographic showing various Lead Manufacturing Engineer job openings at Rocket Lab in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution.
Lead, Avionics Manufacturing Engineer

Lead, Avionics Manufacturing Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

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.

MANUFACTURING

Rocket Lab's Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

LEAD MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - AVIONICS

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Avionics is responsible for process development, implementation and sustainment of Avionics Components and Assemblies used across all programs. You will support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager for Avionics and Space Systems, Production, and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Coach, mentor and develop engineers to achieve new heights in their careers.
  • Perform weekly, quarterly and yearly reviews with their direct employees
  • Interview and hire candidates to fill new roles
  • Create team goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement projects
  • Lead/organize meetings as necessary to drive project completion
  • 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
  • Perform initial Value Stream Mapping Exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, cell design, etc.
  • Define and implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning
  • Capital and facilities justification, project management and implementation
  • Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations
  • Lead the continuous improvement process in your area using lean tools and techniques such as 5S

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical)
  • 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Personnel leadership experience
  • Strong working knowledge of EEE piece parts, PCB, PCBA, electromechanical assembly, tooling, test, and quality techniques
  • Extensive experience using fundamentals of electronic circuits, design principles, and manufacturing techniques to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Advanced engineering degree (Preferably Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Mechanical)
  • 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuum
  • Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
  • Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area
  • Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
  • Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action

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.
  • Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$115,000—$160,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.