Senior Quality Inspector

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 rockethas 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 Labwerenot just launching rockets werebuilding 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 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security anddefenseinitiatives. 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. Whetheritsa 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 Labs 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 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 YOULL 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.

YOULL 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.

YOULL 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

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.