Lead Supplier Quality Engineer

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.  

LEAD SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's Long Beach, CA facility, the Lead Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that the quality requirements for procured parts and processes are consistently met. Leading a team of highly capable Supplier Quality Engineers, you will act as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers, translating complex technical requirements into clear, achievable specifications. Your exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills will inspire suppliers to continuously improve, implement robust quality processes, and drive cost reduction and process efficiency, all while balancing the priorities of internal teams and external partners. This role also involves overseeing the creation of non-conformance reports, conducting supplier audits, managing supplier concessions, and identifying opportunities for improvement to reduce risk, cost, and lead time for Rocket Lab.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams by fostering collaboration, driving accountability, and empowering team members to achieve exceptional results in dynamic and challenging environments.
• Develop and implement robust supplier quality systems and processes to ensure consistent delivery of quality components and services.
• Utilize tools and metrics to monitor supplier performance, providing visibility into quality trends and driving accountability.
• Lead initiatives to improve purchased product quality, reduce non-conformances, and enhance supplier processes through root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support suppliers in scaling production processes to meet future quality, cost, and delivery targets while introducing new products into production (NPI, APQP, PPAP).
• Act as a bridge between suppliers, internal teams, and senior management to ensure alignment on technical requirements, production goals, and quality standards.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A LEAD SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER:

• 5+ years in a quality role, preferably in regulated industries such as Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, or Industrial.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronic Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of quality systems, engineering drawings, GD&T, and specialized manufacturing processes like fabrication, CNC, PCBAs, and 3D printing.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, etc.) and practical problem-solving methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead projects, manage supplier relationships, and drive quality improvements across the supply chain.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods 
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed 
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision 
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed 
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.