Quality Inspector III - 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 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!

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Quality Inspector III - 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.

• 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.

• 5+ 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.

• 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, feeler gauges, pine gauges, thread gauges, surface roughness measurement, microscope etc.
• Inspection experience with aerospace components & assemblies.
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

• Ability to work one of the following shifts:
  • 5:00AM - 3:30PM Monday-Thursday
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid…