Senior Quality Inspector

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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. 

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. 

SENIOR QUALITY INSPECTOR – AVIONICS  

Rocket Lab is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Quality Inspector - Avionicsto join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for performing inspections using prescribed criteria to ensure our products meet the highest engineering and production standards. Your ability to identify non-conformances, solve problems, and communicate effectively will be critical in driving continuous improvement and maintaining the highest quality standards. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Conduct complex inspections of electronic and electrical components, including purchased parts, PCBAs, wire harnesses, electro-mechanical assemblies, and other avionics systems. 
• Develop and follow detailed work instructions for receiving inspections of PCBAs, harnesses, electro-mechanical components/assemblies, and test reports. 
• Identify and document issues and non-conformances in Rocket Lab’s internal quality monitoring systems, including the Issue Tracking System, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and/or ERP systems. 
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to address and resolve quality concerns. 
• Support internal audits and prepare production areas for external audits, including tracking and closing corrective action requests. 
• Monitor and ensure compliance with tool calibration systems and maintain calibration tracking. 
• Promote a “Built-in Quality” philosophy by consistently detecting and addressing non-conformances to prevent defects from reaching downstream customers. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 8+ years of experience working in quality assurance role in an electronics manufacturing environment 
• Current IPC-A-610 certification 
• Current or previous IPC/WHMA-A-620C and/or AC 43.13 certification 
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Familiar with ISO9000 and/or AS9100 requirements  
• Experience with IPC J-STD-001 with space addendum 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 
• Active U.S. Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one 
• Experience working on flight hardware, satellites, or other high-reliability systems  
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing work of the highest accuracy.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM 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. 

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—$41 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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.