Team Lead - Supplier Quality Engineering

ABOUT ROCKET LAB:
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a Lead Supplier Quality Engineer at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality requirements for procured parts (mechanical components), services, and processes are achieved. Working as a liaison between our internal customers and suppliers, you are a critical conduit for translating technical requirements into clear specifications that suppliers can achieve.

Your exceptional communication and negotiation skills will encourage suppliers to strive for continuous improvement, implement robust quality processes, and drive cost reduction and process efficiency while balancing the priorities of internal customers and suppliers. You will establish supplier quality systems and processes, generate supplier performance metrics, perform supplier audits, manage supplier concessions, oversee CAPA activities, and identify opportunities to reduce risk, cost, and lead time across the supply base.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or other related field
· 5+ years' experience in relevant industry
· Experience working in regulated industries such as Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or Industrial manufacturing
· Practical experience leading and investigating quality-related issues
· Strong experience with Root Cause Analysis, 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa, and other structured problem-solving methodologies
· Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
· Experience leading supplier quality improvement initiatives
· Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
· Experience working cross-functionally with suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams
· Self-motivated with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
· Experience with AS9100, ISO9001, ISO13485, IATF 16949, or similar quality management systems
· Fabrication, CNC machining, and 3D printing knowledge
· Experience developing supplier KPI dashboards and performance metrics
· Experience leading and managing technical projects
· Experience successfully introducing new products into production
· Experience with specialized manufacturing processes
· Lean Six Sigma experience
· NPI, APQP, and PPAP experience
· Understanding of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and Gauge R&R.

Salary dependent upon experience: NZD$ 100,000 - NZD$ 135,000

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.