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. 

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED. 

First 30 to 90 days of employment will be based from Long Beach, California.

QUALITY MANAGER

Based on-site at our Auckland, NZ facility the Quality Manager we are looking for, is a leader with a keen eye for detail and relentless pursuit for continuous improvement. A leader who embraces challenges and can inspire a team to exceed expectations. If you have a passion for aerospace and a track record of maintaining the highest quality standards in a fast-paced environment, you might be the Quality Manager we are searching for.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Leading Quality Management Systems (QMS): Manage and maintain Rocket Lab's QMS ensuring adherence to AS9100. Oversee the certification processes necessary for compliance across all the manufacturing and operational departments.
• Supplier Quality Management: Oversee the quality performance of suppliers, establishing quality standards for incoming materials and manage supplier audits.
• MRB Management: Lead the Material Review Board processes to ensure non-conforming material is dispositioned and identify Scrap reduction initiatives.
• Quality improvement management: Lead Continuous improvement projects using industry-specific methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma and other tools to eliminate process variations and defects.
• KPI Reporting: Report the Quality performance metrics, communicating quality initiatives to stakeholder in the organization and identify areas for improvement.

 YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing environments.
• 3+ years of proven leadership experience within a global manufacturing or service environment.
• Strong understanding of quality management principles and methodologies (e.g., ISO standards, AS9100, Lean, Six Sigma).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively across all levels of an organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and implement company-wide initiatives effectively.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced certifications in Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, CQE etc.
• Knowledge of aerospace or Automotive industries.
• Quality Auditor certification

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.

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.