Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - Harnessing

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SUPPLY CHAIN Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success. SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) – HARNESSING Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) – Harnessing 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. **(This position can be hired as a Supplier Quality Engineer (I, II, Senior I, Senior II) - Harnessing** WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO • Strategically source and onboard suppliers by assessing capabilities, manufacturing processes, and quality systems. • Develop and implement supplier technical requirements, quality flow downs, and process controls to meet hardware manufacturing needs. • Oversee and monitor the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and ensure supplier qualification and reliability activities meet industry standards. • Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics to identify trends, drive improvement plans, and recommend technical product enhancements to reduce risk and defects. • Provide feedback to suppliers to optimize manufacturing methods, reduce costs and cycle times, and increase yields. • Serve as liaison between purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve quality issues and provide technical support. • Lead supplier root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality gaps, escapes, or containments. • Act as internal owner for supplier SPC, yield improvement, new tool/process qualification, and overall supplier performance in quality, efficiency, and cost. • Lead projects and present findings to internal teams, management, and suppliers. QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I – HARNESSING • Experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar. • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent. • Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified) • Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships) • Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred). QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II – HARNESSING • Minimum 2 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar. • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent. • Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified) • Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships) • Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred). QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER I – HARNESSING • Minimum 5 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar. • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent. • Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified) • Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships) • Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred). QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SENIOR SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER II – HARNESSING • Minimum 8 years' experience in a regulated industry: Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or similar. • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or equivalent. • Knowledgeable on IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3 and Space Addendum (preferably certified) • Experience with harnessing and cable manufacturing (including school projects, clubs, or internships) • Experience working with suppliers or in a supplier quality role (preferred). THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: • 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. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to share information and influence across organizational lines. 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 desig