Quality Inspector

Overview 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 to 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. Neutron Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high‑performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! Quality Inspector III – Mechanical Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Quality Inspector III – Mechanical is responsible for carrying out inspections using, but not limited to, prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail is needed to detect anything related to the product that does not meet engineering/production standards. In this role you will help prevent faulty hardware from progressing in the manufacturing process and support root‑cause mitigation and elimination of failure modes. You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. What You’ll Do Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D‑printed components, CNC‑machined items, electro‑mechanical components, and propulsion assemblies. Perform all types of precision inspections, including receiving, in‑process and final assembly inspections. This includes capability to effectively use hand measurement systems and CMM. Thoroughly document non‑conformance in accordance with Rocket Lab systems and procedures in our internal ERP, MES and issue tracking system. Collaborate with engineering and management to improve work instructions and identify critical inspection points in the process. Coordinate with Production personnel to prioritize workload and enable the team to meet key delivery milestones. Embody a Built‑In‑Quality philosophy, consistently detecting non‑conformance (Don’t accept a defect – Don’t pass a defect) and preventing escapes to downstream customers. Qualifications 5+ years of experience working in a quality assurance role in a quality mechanical manufacturing environment. Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD/T). High school diploma or GED. Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications Experience in space manufacturing in‑process environment on engine builds. Experience with precision measuring equipment such as comparator, romer arm, Keyence Vision System, and/or CMMs (PC‑DMIS). Experience performing visual inspections using borescope. High level of experience using hand measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, pine gauges, thread gauges, surface‑roughness measurement, microscope, etc. Inspection experience with aerospace components & assemblies. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Additional Requirements Ability to work one of the following shifts: 3:15 PM – 1:45 AM Monday–Thursday. 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. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $27 – $34 USD. Benefits 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 and 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. Comments About the Role We'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 dwell 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 freely 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. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on click.appcast.io. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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, see ITAR Regulations. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr