Supplier Quality Engineer Trainee

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

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.  

As a Supplier Quality Engineer Trainee at Rocket Lab’s Long Beach, California site, you will participate in a structured development program focused on building foundational skills in supplier quality, manufacturing processes, and engineering support. This role provides hands‑on exposure to supplier assessments, quality systems, and production operations within the aerospace industry.

As a trainee, you will work closely with Supplier Quality Engineers, mentors, and cross‑functional teams to develop both technical and professional capabilities:

• →Support supplier quality activities including incoming inspection, supplier performance tracking, and documentation reviews
• →Assist in evaluating supplier processes, identifying risks, and helping drive corrective actions under guidance
• →Learn how to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements for supplied components
• →Participate in root‑cause analysis and problem‑solving activities related to supplier‑related nonconformances
• →Collaborate with internal teams (Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering) to ensure supplier readiness and compliance
• →Attend regular 1:1 sessions with mentors and supervisors to track progress and support your development
• →Gain exposure to quality tools, aerospace standards, and supplier management processes

Ideal candidates are curious, detail‑oriented, and eager to grow within a high‑performing engineering environment. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to learn quickly, communicate effectively, and contribute to supplier quality initiatives.

• Strong interest in supplier quality, manufacturing, engineering, or related technical fields
• Ability to analyze information, follow structured processes, and document findings clearly
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated experience through hands‑on projects, technical coursework, or exposure to engineering concepts

• Familiarity with engineering drawings or GD&T
• Exposure to quality tools such as root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, or Six Sigma
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar engineering tools
• Prior project or laboratory experience involving mechanical, manufacturing, or quality concepts

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice
• Must be able to comply with all site‑specific safety and operational requirements
• This position may require occasional local travel to supplier locations, scheduled to accommodate part-time working hours.