CNC Additive Manufacturing Technician II - 2nd Shift

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, 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 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 a re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the CNC Additive Manufacturing Technician II is responsible for supporting various additive technologies (LPBF, DED, Hybrid Solutions) with various alloys. The role will support all additive processes involved with the Rutherford & Archimedes engines and will work with the Manager of Additive Manufacturing and the Production Additive Manufacturing organization to deliver results required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

This opening is for 2nd shift Monday – Friday from 1 pm–9:30 pm PST.

• Uphold and follow all additive safety measures – be an advocate for safe operations.
• Prepare additive print jobs for success through attention to detail on setups.
• Operate a variety of metal 3D printers, experience with EOS, SLM, & DMG preferred.
• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical, optical laser, electrical, and build issues.
• Conduct calibration of 3D printers and interpret findings with engineering.
• Ensure conformance of part/build through independent inspection and print detail verification.
• Follow work orders, procedures, specifications, and test instructions with attention to detail. Communicate any issues that are found.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance – as directed by engineering.
• Provide process improvement feedback and implement solutions in collaboration with engineering.
• Collaborate with engineers on setup and fabrication of 3D prints and new hardware.
• Kick off issue tickets based on process/product non‑conformances.
• Drive additive internal 5S system with actions promoting sustainability in the additive department.
• Utilize measurement tools (micrometer, caliper, surface plate, etc.) to ensure high‑quality inputs and outputs, including post‑print inspection and post‑processing inspection.

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, assembly or testing environment.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Proficient in hand, power, and pneumatic tools such as drills, chisels, taps.
• Proficient in inspection methods: surface plate, calipers, micrometers, height gauge.
• Experience with operating machine tools: vertical mills, lathes, media blasters, cranes, or forklifts.

• 4+ years of experience with operating metal 3D printers and knowledge of associated hazards; experience with additive manufacturing (AM) principles.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings.
• Experience using JIRA.

• Ab…