SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER IRocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
As a Senior Quality Engineer I for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by ensuring products meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:- Develop and execute inspection methods to verify product quality and workmanship
- Ensure products comply with internal procedures, customer requirements, and industry standards such as AS9100
- Investigate products and process nonconformances and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Generate, manage, and close Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), Corrective Action Reports, and support MRB/FRB activities
- Provide quality training and guidance to production and engineering teams on workmanship standards, procedures, ESD, and FOD
- Coordinate and document calibration activities and maintain metrology controls
- Support and maintain compliance with ESD and FOD programs across production and integration areas
- Perform inspections, review inspection data, and document results and findings
- Collect, analyze, and trend quality data using digital tools such as Power Apps and Power BI to support data-driven decision making
- Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor quality metrics, nonconformance trends, corrective action effectiveness, and process performance
- Participate in internal, customer, and third-party quality audits as required
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and repeatability of processes
- The Quality Engineer will support, analyze, and report on quality performance using data-driven metrics
- Travel as required to support test campaigns, supplier activities, audits, source inspections, and program milestones
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of quality, compliance, and program execution
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline
- 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Assurance within a manufacturing environment
- Experience working within a Quality Management System; AS9100 experience strongly preferred
- Strong working knowledge of NCRs, CAPA, MRB/FRB, ESD, and FOD controls
- Experience with inspection and test activities, metrology, and calibration systems
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T
- Experience analyzing quality data and presenting metrics using tools such as Power BI, Power Apps, Excel, or similar data visualization platforms
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, supply chain, and program teams
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- Experience supporting spaceflight hardware or optical/electro-optical systems
- ASQ Quality Engineer or Quality Technician certification
- Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors in a regulated environment
- Familiarity with aerospace customer audits and government contracts
- Experience developing or enhancing Power Apps workflows and Power BI dashboards for quality or manufacturing metrics
- Active U.S. Government security clearance
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,
you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. 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.
Total Compensation (base and equity)
$81,100-$142,700 USD
Base Salary
$95,200-$119,000 USD
