Senior Quality Inspector

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

QUALITY INSPECTOR III/SENIOR

As a Quality Inspector III/Senior based at Rocket Lab's site in Pasadena, CA , you will have the opportunity to support the inspection and release of purchased, machined, fabricated, and assembled hardware by ensuring it meets engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements before release to production. In this role, you will perform receiving, in-process, first-article, and final inspections, manage inspection priorities to support production schedules, and provide hands-on support to manufacturing as needed. To be successful in this role, you must be detail-oriented, organized, adaptable, and committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: This position can be hired as a Quality Inspector III or Senior Quality Inspector)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Inspect precision machined parts, fabricated hardware, purchased components, and mechanical assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Program and operate CMM equipment using PC-DMIS to inspect complex parts and verify dimensional and GD&T requirements.
• Perform receiving, in-process, first-article, and final inspections using CMMs and precision hand measurement equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and ASME Y14.5 GD&T requirements.
• Review supplier inspection reports, material and process certifications, and other acceptance documentation.
• Document inspection results and create accurate issue tickets, nonconformance reports (NCPs), and supporting records in company quality, ERP, and manufacturing systems.
• Work with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve drawing, inspection, and hardware discrepancies.
• Help define inspection methods, critical inspection points, and work instructions for complex hardware.
• Plan and schedule inspection work against production priorities, supplier deliveries, and build needs to keep conforming hardware moving to the floor.
• Provide flexible hands-on support to production, including hardware verification, documentation checks, material movement, kitting support, and other priority tasks within training and authorization.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS QUALITY INSPECTOR III

• 5+ years of mechanical inspection experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, precision machining, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Required experience programming and operating CMMs using PC-DMIS .
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, indicators, and surface-plate inspection methods.
• Experience inspecting close-tolerance machined parts and documenting objective evidence of conformance.
• Ability to identify, clearly document, and communicate nonconforming conditions, including creation and follow-through of issue tickets and NCPs.
• Ability to manage changing priorities, coordinate inspection schedules, and support technicians and production teams in a fast-paced build environment.
• High school diploma or GED.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR QUALITY INSPECTOR

• 8+ years of mechanical inspection experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, precision machining, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Required experience programming and operating CMMs using PC-DMIS .
• Strong ability to read mechanical drawings and apply ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, indicators, and surface-plate inspection methods.
• Experience inspecting close-tolerance machined parts and documenting objective evidence of conformance.
• Ability to identify, clearly document, and communicate nonconforming conditions, including creation and follow-through of issue tickets and NCPs.
• Ability to manage changing priorities, coordinate inspection schedules, and support technicians and production teams in a fast-paced build environment.
• High school diploma or GED.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Experience inspecting aerospace or spaceflight hardware and completing AS9102 first-article inspections.
• Experience with optical comparators, portable CMM arms, Keyence systems, surface roughness measurement, or borescopes.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, supplier documentation, and ERP or MES software.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS

• Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
• Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
• Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
• Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

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)

$33—$45 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

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 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 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.