Rocket Lab
QUALITY INSPECTOR III - MECHANICAL
– Rocket Lab
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, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.
Neutron Neutron is a medium‑lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega‑constellations, 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. This role offers an opportunity to join a high‑performing team and help push the boundaries of reusable liquid launch vehicle development.
Job Summary Based at Rocket Lab’s Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the
Quality Inspector III – Mechanical
is responsible for carrying out inspections using prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail is needed to detect any product that does not meet engineering/production standards and support root‑cause mitigation and failure‑mode elimination. You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, delivering reports to internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
Responsibilities
Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D‑printed components, CNC‑machined items, electro‑mechanical components, and propulsion assemblies.
Conduct all types of precision inspections, including receiving, in‑process, and final assembly inspections, using hand measurement systems and a CMM.
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.
Coordinate with Production personnel to prioritize workload and enable the team to meet key delivery milestones.
Adopt a Built‑in‑Quality philosophy—consistently detecting non‑conformance and preventing escapes downstream.
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in a quality assurance role in a mechanical manufacturing environment.
Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
High‑school diploma or GED.
Nice to Have
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.
Proficiency with hand measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, 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: 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM Monday–Thursday.
Specific vision abilities (close view, distance view, peripheral view, depth perception, focus).
Required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Physically able to commute to the building.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
Benefits Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. You may receive company equity and a robust benefits package including top‑tier medical HMO, PPO and a 100 % company‑sponsored HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $25 – $35 USD.
What to Expect We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Our culture thrives under pressure, works to tight deadlines, and focuses on delivering results. 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.
Important Information US – ITAR
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce. Rocket Lab prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact the designated resource.
New Zealand – ITAR
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offer. Eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or NATO members, or no ineligible dual citizenship.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Rocket Lab by 2x.
Location: Long Beach, CA. Salary: $70,000.00‑$90,000.00 (3 days ago).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
– Rocket Lab
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, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.
Neutron Neutron is a medium‑lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega‑constellations, 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. This role offers an opportunity to join a high‑performing team and help push the boundaries of reusable liquid launch vehicle development.
Job Summary Based at Rocket Lab’s Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the
Quality Inspector III – Mechanical
is responsible for carrying out inspections using prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail is needed to detect any product that does not meet engineering/production standards and support root‑cause mitigation and failure‑mode elimination. You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, delivering reports to internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
Responsibilities
Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D‑printed components, CNC‑machined items, electro‑mechanical components, and propulsion assemblies.
Conduct all types of precision inspections, including receiving, in‑process, and final assembly inspections, using hand measurement systems and a CMM.
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.
Coordinate with Production personnel to prioritize workload and enable the team to meet key delivery milestones.
Adopt a Built‑in‑Quality philosophy—consistently detecting non‑conformance and preventing escapes downstream.
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in a quality assurance role in a mechanical manufacturing environment.
Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
High‑school diploma or GED.
Nice to Have
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.
Proficiency with hand measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, feeler gauges, 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: 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM Monday–Thursday.
Specific vision abilities (close view, distance view, peripheral view, depth perception, focus).
Required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Physically able to commute to the building.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.
Benefits Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. You may receive company equity and a robust benefits package including top‑tier medical HMO, PPO and a 100 % company‑sponsored HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $25 – $35 USD.
What to Expect We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Our culture thrives under pressure, works to tight deadlines, and focuses on delivering results. 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.
Important Information US – ITAR
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce. Rocket Lab prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact the designated resource.
New Zealand – ITAR
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offer. Eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or NATO members, or no ineligible dual citizenship.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Rocket Lab by 2x.
Location: Long Beach, CA. Salary: $70,000.00‑$90,000.00 (3 days ago).
#J-18808-Ljbffr