Quality Manager

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 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. 

QUALITY MANAGER

We're looking for a hands-on, driven Quality Manager to lead from the front and shape the future of quality at our Auckland facility. With a fresh leadership team backing quality as a strategic priority, this is a rare opportunity to push quality culture, develop high-performing teams, and build scalable, impactful systems from the ground up.

You'll play a key role in transforming our approach from reactive to proactive, owning processes, influencing cross-functional teams, and delivering meaningful site-wide results.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Manage and growing team of Quality Engineers, developing capability, accountability, and a proactive mindset across the group.
• Champion a shift from reactive to proactive quality management. Foster strong cross-functional engagement, ensuring quality is embedded in every process and decision.
• Define quality standards for incoming materials, manage supplier audits, and ensure performance across the external supply chain.
• Lead the Material Review Board to ensure effective disposition of non-conforming materials and identify opportunities for scrap reduction and root cause resolution.
• Use methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools to drive continuous improvement, eliminate process variation, and reduce defects across production.
• Oversee documentation control, conduct product and process audits, and ensure rigorous standards are applied consistently.
• Own key KPIs, reporting on quality metrics, progress, and initiatives to site leadership and global stakeholders.
• Support and maintain Rocket Lab's QMS, ensuring adherence to AS9100 standards and alignment with global procedures. Oversee certification processes and regulatory compliance across manufacturing and operations.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A strong leader from a complex manufacturing environment (aerospace, automotive, or similar).
• Comfortable rolling up your sleeves and working across levels — from the shop floor to senior leadership.
• Driven, practical, and decisive — able to make sound judgments even with limited data.
• Able to influence, build relationships, and gain buy-in across global teams.
• Experienced in quality systems and methodologies (AS9100, ISO, Lean, Six Sigma).
• Confident managing engineers and quality professionals in a cross-functional setting.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS :

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemistry, etc.)
• 5+ years in a quality role within a high-complexity manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of team leadership or management experience
• Ideally experienced in aerospace, automotive, or regulated manufacturing sectors
• Exposure to supplier quality, compliance audits, and technical product documentation

WHY JOIN US?

You'll be stepping into a clean slate environment with full leadership support, freedom to innovate, and the backing to build a quality function that truly adds value. With a pipeline of exciting products, growth on the horizon, and an organiSation ready to invest in quality, this is your chance to leave your mark.

Whether you're a seasoned Quality Manager or a high-performing Senior Quality Engineer ready to step up, this role offers unmatched potential for career growth.

READY TO LAUNCH YOUR NEXT MISSION?

Apply now and help us deliver mission success, every time. Resumes are being reviewed now — don't miss out.

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 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.