SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I - PCBABased out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer I - PCBA role is responsible for ensuring quality requirements for procured parts, services, and processes are achieved. Working as a liaison between internal design/manufacturing stakeholders and suppliers, you translate technical requirements into clear specifications, drive supplier improvement, and manage the competing priorities between customers and suppliers.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO- Serve as the technical point of contact for assigned parts and assemblies, solving emergent supplier quality challenges and mitigating risk to the manifest.
- Own production components and assemblies end-to-end - driving improvements in manufacturing methods, identifying new suppliers, and developing reliable rate-ramp processes.
- Conduct DFM reviews to ensure parts are manufacturable, preferably prior to sourcing.
- Partner with procurement to vet suppliers for quality capability and takt time alignment.
- Author and flow down specifications translating Rocket Lab quality and manufacturing requirements to the supply base.
- Scope forming, cutting, and inspection technologies that improve rate, quality, or efficiency.
- Drive root cause resolution on assigned part issues; implement changes at suppliers or internally and pursue re-sourcing where warranted.
- Create and disposition Nonconformance tickets; coordinate rework, repair, or use-as-is dispositions with engineering.
- Lead containment activities on assigned parts - define scope, align cross-functional stakeholders, and drive to resolution.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING - Minimum 5 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent.
- Prior experience in a supplier quality role.
- Proficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: - PCB / PCBA Electronics-Specific
- PCB fabrication processes: lamination, drilling, plating, surface finish (ENIG, HASL, immersion silver), and solder mask application.
- PCBA assembly processes: SMT (reflow, paste inspection, placement), through-hole, selective soldering, wave soldering, and hand soldering per IPC-A-610.
- IPC standards fluency: IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/21, IPC-6012; ability to apply acceptability criteria directly in supplier audits and NCR disposition.
- First article and qualification processes for PCBs and PCBAs including UL certification, material traceability, and layer stack-up verification.
- Test methods for electronics: ICT, flying probe, functional test, X-ray inspection, AOI, and conformal coating inspection.
- Failure analysis techniques relevant to electronics: cross-sectioning, SEM/EDS, delamination/intermetallic analysis.
- Cleanliness and contamination control requirements (ionic contamination testing, no-clean vs. wash processes).
- Understanding of component qualification and counterfeit parts mitigation (AS5553, AS6081).
- Familiarity with ESD controls, handling requirements, and MSL compliance (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033).
- Experience with electronics-specific quality systems and NADCAP Electronics accreditation.
SHARED ACROSS ALL SQE ROLES- Structured problem-solving experience using 8D, A3, or equivalent RCA methodology.
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems; exposure to NADCAP special process requirements a plus.
- Knowledge of statistical quality methods: SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), MSA/Gage R&R; Six Sigma or Lean a plus.
- Experience with PPAP and related elements: APQP, PFD, PFMEA, Control Plan, FAIR.
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems; familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Power BI a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to share information and influence across organizational lines.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:- Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice
- Ability to work extended hours, some nights or weekends when needed
- 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
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)
$102,400-$128,000 USD
