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Quality Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Supplier Quality Engineer

Rocket Lab USA

Long Beach, California

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$116,800–$146,000 Per Year
JOB TYPE
Full-time
SKILLS
3D Printing, 8D, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Auditing, CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cost Control, Electricity, Engineering Drawing, Financial Trend Analysis, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Government, Keyboards, Leadership, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Metrics, Negotiation Skills, Office Equipment, Performance Analysis, Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Programs, Product/Service Launch, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Engineering, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Regulations, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Supply Chain, Systems Engineering, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Drawing, Technical Writing, Time Management, United States Citizen, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Vendor/Supplier Selection
LOCATION
Long Beach, California
POSTED
Today
Lead Supplier Quality EngineerBased 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 periodsUse hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as neededRead technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance visionMove between buildings, labs, and work areas, as neededWork in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.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)$116,800 - $146,000 USDWhat To ExpectWe're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.Important information:FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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Rocket Lab USA

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