Senior NDT Lead Inspector – Aerospace

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.

The Senior Quality Inspector - NDT Technician will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, reliability, and quality of components and assemblies by collaborating closely with the engineering and production teams. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing processes, acceptance criteria, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) activities. The role requires a highly skilled and experienced professional with a minimum of 10 years of experience in NDT and related fields.

The Senior NDT Technician will lead NDT operations, develop testing techniques, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge manufacturing processes in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to develop and refine NDT processes, acceptance criteria, and SOPs.
• Lead and coordinate daily activities of the NDT team, ensuring efficient and effective inspection operations.
• Perform advanced penetrant (PT) inspections on components and assemblies to detect defects and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Develop and implement NDT inspection techniques for complex geometries and advanced materials.
• Interpret and evaluate penetrant (PT) results to determine the acceptability of materials and components.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and training to NDT Level I and II technicians.
• Support research and development efforts for system qualification and certification of critical processes.
• Ensure adherence to NDT standards such as AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve NDT processes and eliminate non‑conforming products.
• Maintain accurate documentation of inspection results and ensure compliance with quality management systems.
• Stay updated on advancements in NDT technology and techniques to continuously improve inspection capabilities.

• 8+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, mechanical fitting, or NDT testing.
• Extensive experience in aviation, aerospace, or a similar industry performing NDT inspections.
• Extensive experience inspecting advanced materials such as high‑strength aluminum alloys, precipitation‑hardened steels, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and Maraging steel (super alloys).
• Strong understanding of NDT standards and codes, including AS, AMS, AWS, NAS, ASME, and ASTM.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Certifications:
  • Certification as NDT Level I in penetrant (PT) (per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards).
  • Certification as NDT Level II in penetrant (PT) (per ASNT, NAS 410, or equivalent standards).

• Proven experience in improving NDT processes for efficiency, productivity, and quality assurance.
• Certified in American Welding Society (AWS) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
• Familiarity with advanced inspection techniques for complex geometries and challenging materials.

• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • A Shift: 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM
• Stand…