Quality Inspector I​/Ii - Mechanical

Position: QUALITY INSPECTOR I/II - MECHANICAL

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 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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, 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. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

QUALITY

INSPECTOR I/II - MECHANICAL

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Quality Inspector I/II - MECHANICAL is responsible for carrying out inspections using, but not limited to, prescribed inspection criteria. A high level of attention to detail is needed to detect anything related to the product that does not meet engineering/production standards. In this role you will help prevent faulty hardware from progressing in the manufacturing process and support root‑cause mitigation and elimination of failure modes.

You will support the Quality Manager and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Perform complex mechanical inspections for purchased parts, 3D‑printed components, CNC‑machined items, electro‑mechanical components, and propulsion assemblies.
• Perform all types of precision inspections, including receiving, in process and final assembly inspections. This includes capability to effectively use hand measurement systems and CMM.
• Thoroughly 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 in the process.
• Coordinate with Production personnel to prioritize workload and enable the team to meet key delivery milestones.
• Embody a Built in Quality philosophy, consistently detecting non‑conformance (Don't accept a Defect - Don't Pass a Defect) and preventing escapes to downstream customers.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Quality Inspector I or Quality Inspector II level)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A QUALITY INSPECTOR I - MECHANICAL

• Familiarity with quality assurance practices in a mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
• High school diploma or GED

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A QUALITY INSPECTOR II - MECHANICAL

• 2+ years of experience working in a quality assurance role in a quality mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• High school diploma or GED

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE 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
• High level of experience using hand measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges,…